Introduction

The study aimed to examine whether women from families with alcohol-related problems differ from those whose parents were not alcohol dependent in terms of dispositional forgiveness, interpersonal commitment and parental motivation, as well as whether there are significant relationships between these variables.

Material and methods

The study included 300 women of 20-40 years of age, divided into two equal groups (n = 150 each). The Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS), Commitment Inventory (CI), and Childbearing Questionnaire (CBQ) were used.

Results

The results revealed that women from families with alcohol-related problems demonstrated significantly lower interpersonal commitment, particularly in the domains of emotional bonding and concern for a partner’s well-being. Contrary to expectations, no significant differences were noted in parental motivation between groups. Dispositional forgiveness was positively correlated with interpersonal commitment and its subdimensions, suggesting that forgiveness may facilitate the capacity for emotional closeness and empathy in intimate relationships.

Discussion

The findings highlight forgiveness as a protective intrapsychic factor supporting relational functioning among women from families with alcohol problems. However, no significant associations were observed between forgiveness and parental motivation.

Conclusions

Forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness and forgiveness of life situations, may serve as a therapeutic resource enhancing emotional maturity, relationship stability, and the ability to build healthy interpersonal bonds.