A Review of Forgiveness Process Models and A Coping Framework to Guide Future Research

Abstract

Despite substantial advances in other areas of forgiveness research, empirical evaluation of a fundamental aspect of forgiveness, the process itself, has been virtually nonexistent. This article reviews the existing literature and concludes that although numerous process models have been proposed, many lack a coherent theoretical grounding, and few have been empirically validated. Importantly, understanding of the forgiveness process is hindered by a lack of consensus on what forgiveness is, and consequently what constitutes the endpoint of the process. In response to the many shortcomings in the literature, salient issues for future research are identified. The stress and coping model (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) is proposed as a framework for guiding theorizing and research.Empirical psychological research on forgiveness has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Having long been considered the domain of theology and philosophy, the psychological antecedents, properties, and consequences of forgiveness now have been studied in a variety of settings-e.g., counseling, social, justice, organizational, and cultural-with adolescents and adults, couples, families, and groups, and as a response to a wide range of hurts and injustices. Forgiveness research has been extended beyond its traditional focus on forgiveness of others to include forgiveness of self

Mediating the Effect of Gratitude in the Relationship between Forgiveness and Life Satisfaction among University Students

“…On the other hand, forgiveness is often seen as an affective coping mechanism (Worthington & Scherer, 2004) and is closely associated with mental health, physical well-being and positive affect . Some researchers insistently emphasize forgiveness process in terms of coping (Pargament & Rye, 1998;Strelan & Covic, 2006;Worthington & Scherer, 2004). For instance, Strelan and Wojtsiak (2009) found that individuals use similar coping strategies for both general stressors and interpersonal hurt.…”

Escala de actitud para perdonar.

“…Sin embargo, el perdón es un constructo que no está exento de polémica en relación a diferentes aspectos como su definición, el supuesto beneficio para la persona que perdona, si debe implicar o no reconciliación con el ofensor qué modelos teóricos pueden explicarlo (Guzmán, 2010;Prieto-Ursúa, Carrasco, Cagigal, Gismero, Martínez y Muñoz, 2012;Strelan y Covic, 2006).…”

The choice of forgiveness: Forgiveness of self and others focusing on situation and personality

“…Self-forgiveness is where the individual is the offender who knows they have misbehaved and try to accept it. In other words, self-forgiveness is when the individual stops blaming themselves for their mistakes (Strelan & Covic, 2006). Research has found that individuals tend to make harsher judgements about themselves than others (Maltby et al, 2001).…”