The relationships between trait anger, forgiveness, and subjective well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic: a moderated mediating model under lockdown situation

Although previous studies have found relationships between anger, forgiveness, and well-being, none have examined whether forgiveness mediates the relationship between trait anger and subjective well-being. To address this gap, this study constructed and tested a relevant moderated mediating model. We also considered the moderating effects of the COVID-19 lockdown situation, which has indirectly deteriorated well-being. The participants included 1,274 individuals who were recruited in April 2022. In sum, the results showed negative relationships between the trait anger and forgiveness and well-being, with a positive association between forgiveness and well-being. Moreover, forgiveness mediated the association between trait anger and subjective well-being, whereas the lockdown situation regulated the effects of trait anger on forgiveness and subjective well-being; specifically, forgiveness and well-being were more susceptible to trait anger among individuals under the lockdown situation. These findings suggest that forgiveness mediates the relationship between trait anger and well-being, while trait anger negatively predicts forgiveness and subjective well-being. Furthermore, the lockdown situation increases the negative predictive effects of anger on forgiveness and subjective well-being.