Psychology of Forgiveness: Variables That Influence Forgiving

Introduction and Purpose

This research paper addresses the psychology of forgiveness and attempts to identify which psychological characteristics influence an individual's tendency to forgive. The aim of the research includes exploration into the motivational transformation collectively known as forgiveness and which psychological traits seem to foster or encourage forgiving behavior in the individual. The researcher examines five articles dating from 2000 to 2005, conducted by various researchers on the subject of forgiveness as a socially constructed phenomenon, comparing the attributes displayed by individuals most likely to forgive against those less likely to engage in forgiving behavior.

The purpose of this research is to analyze the psychological traits possessed by individuals prone to forgiveness. Specifically, the researcher is interested in identifying whether certain individuals are more likely to forgive than others based on their psychological characteristics. The research design includes a comparative analysis of five different studies examining the nature of forgiveness. The researcher hypothesizes that individuals who are more empathetic, guilt-ridden, or affiliated with a particular religious background are more likely to demonstrate forgiving behaviors than those who are not.

Models of Forgiveness

In the study "Dimensions Underlying Sixteen Models of Forgiveness and Reconciliation," Gorsuch and Walker examine multiple models of interpersonal forgiveness and reconciliation. The authors attempt to describe the constructs common to those models and identify sixteen models of forgiveness and reconciliation among 180 Christian college students (Gorsuch & Walker, 2004). The results of the factor analysis method employed by the researchers suggest that five underlying constructs underlie forgiveness and reconciliation: hurt or anger, receiving forgiveness from God, emotional or mental forgiveness, reconciliation, and empathy (Gorsuch & Walker, 2004).

The researchers hypothesize that underlying dimensions exist across sixteen different models of forgiveness and further suggest that emotional forgiveness is different from behavioral reconciliation. They conclude that forgiveness is related to an interpersonal phenomenon that is distinct from behavioral reconciliation (Gorsuch & Walker, 2004). Reconciliation, according to the authors, involves more interpersonal actions, including granting and requesting forgiveness (Gorsuch & Walker, 2004). The major limitation of the study included a lack of cross-sectional or longitudinal data that would help evaluate the models presented over a designated period of time, making it impossible for the researchers to conclude how their results would impact the process of forgiveness across time (Gorsuch & Walker, 2004).

References

Chernoff, M., Deveney, S., & Konstam, V. (2001). Toward forgiveness: The role of shame, guilt, anger, and empathy. Counseling and Values, 46(1), 26.

Gorsuch, R. L., & Walker, D. F. (2004). Dimensions underlying sixteen models of forgiveness and reconciliation. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 32(1), 12.

Holmes, W., Konstam, V., & Levine, B. (2003). Empathy, selfism, and coping as elements of the psychology of forgiveness: A preliminary study. Counseling and Values, 47(3), 172.

Kanz, J. E. (2000). How do people conceptualize and use forgiveness? The forgiveness attitudes questionnaire. Counseling and Values, 44(3), 174.

Witvliet, C. V. (2001). Forgiveness and health: Review and reflections on a matter of faith, feelings, and physiology. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 29(3), 212.