Transformative Moral Repair Following Interpersonal Transgressions: Post-Transgression Relationship Growth

Research often views relationship repair through a reparative lens of relationship partners attempting to fix what was damaged or broken by the transgression. We argue here for a transformative lens to view transgressions as potential catalysts for the strengthening of relationships or what we term: post-transgression relationship growth (PTRG). However, we also argue that PTRG is more likely achieved when the transgression is dealt with dyadically via a constructive process of co-reflection. Results from a pilot study and two pre-registered three-wave longitudinal studies provided validation for a PTRG scale, which assesses relationship growth/decline after transgressions that occurred between romantic relationship partners. Moreover, co-reflection was prospectively positively associated with PTRG when controlling for baseline relationship qualities. Together, these findings highlight that relationships can emerge stronger out of relationship adversity when relationship partners engage in the constructive process of co-reflection.