Development of the Collectivist‐Sensitive Trait Forgivingness Scale

Abstract

Mounting evidence suggests that experiences of forgiveness vary across cultures. However, culturally sensitive conceptualizations of forgiveness lack empirical support, in part because psychometrically sound instruments designed to capture unique aspects of forgiveness in non-Western cultures are rare. For this reason, we developed the Collectivist-Sensitive Trait Forgivingness Scale (TFS-CS), which is designed to measure trait forgivingness within societies characterized by a blend of individualistic and collectivistic worldviews. In Study 1 (N = 597), exploratory factor analysis revealed a 16-item three-factor structure of third-party forgiveness, collectivistic forgiveness, and interpersonal resentment among South Africans. In Study 2 (N = 897), the three-factor model replicated in an independent South African sample. Findings also offered preliminary evidence supporting the construct validity of the TFS-CS. Overall, these studies support a conceptualization of trait forgivingness with similarities and differences relative to Western models and highlight the importance of appreciating the influence of culture when measuring forgiveness.

Forgiveness moderates relations between psychological abuse and indicators of psychological distress among women in romantic relationships

“…Distinctions in forgiveness observed in the current study also align with the mixture of individualistic and collectivistic principles that permeate the ways in which forgiveness is experienced in South African culture. 37,38 At the expense of victims' own needs, collectivistic norms may emphasise the need for victims to forgive transgressors out of obedience to social expectations. 39 Collectivistic principles might explain the decisions of those included in the current sample to forgive their partner, but processing of emotional forgiveness may depend on the extent to which victims' intrapersonal needs are adequately met.…”

Gender and age differences in forgivingness in Italian and Polish samples

“…This is primarily because empirical research regarding gender and age variations in forgiveness has been mostly undertaken in the United States and very few studies have been conducted in non-US samples. Meanwhile historical background, social norms, changing economic and political conditions may shape different conceptualizations of forgiveness ( Balkin et al., 2009 ; Hui et al., 2006 ; Joo et al., 2019 ; Kadima Kadiangandu et al., 2007 ; Paz et al., 2008 ), leading motives ( Huwaë and Schaafsma, 2019 ) and varying experiences of forgiveness ( Cowden et al., 2019 ; Suwartono et al., 2007 ; Záhorcová and Zelenáková, 2021 ) among males and females at subsequent stages of life in different countries. Mixed findings might be related to culture, and studies on samples beyond the US may provide evidence whether gender and age differences in forgiveness are universal or culture-specific.…”

Religious coping with interpersonal hurts: Psychosocial correlates of the brief RCOPE in four non-Western countries.

“…Parallel analysis (1,000 resamples) was used to determine the optimal number of factors to retain. Consistent with commonly applied criteria (e.g., Cowden et al, 2019b), items were retained if primary factor loadings were ≥.50 and cross-loadings were ≤.25.…”