Exploring the similarities and differences in the  forgiveness of the elders living in the old-age homes and the families

Abstract

Objectives: Researchers have reported close links between forgiveness and positive life outcomes for people of all age groups. The study explored the perceived transgressions and forgiveness of the elders using a qualitative research design. Design and Methods: Narrative qualitative research design was employed. The semi-structured interview was used to collect data of 10 elders of old-age homes (Mean age = 67.20, SD = 4.57) and 12 elders residing with their families (Mean age = 69.33, SD = 4.21) which were analysed through thematic analysis. Results: Severe loss, serious neglect and cheating were the major perceived transgressions of the old-age home elders whereas day-today issues characterized the perceived transgressions of the family elders. Pseudo-forgiveness was observed in the elders of old-age home because of helplessness and their fear of losing respect while affiliation, perceived harm, the realisation of offence, and perceived consequences of punishment were precursors for the forgiveness in family-living elders. Both the groups acknowledged the role of offence, intention, relationships, attributions and commitment to socio-cultural and moral values in forgiveness.

Polish Psychological Bulletin

“…In this way, self--forgiveness acts a pre-requite condition for forgiveness of others. It is also in consonance with the Indian cultural ethos (Prabhakar et al, 2019).…”

“…Besides, cross-cultural verifications of these findings may constitute another dimension for future researchers. The findings may also be useful to develop intervention plans for the well-being of older people (Prabhakar et al, 2019).…”

“…It has been argued that self-forgiveness is more difficult to occur than interpersonal forgiveness. In self-forgiveness, perceived transgression may lead to self-defeating and ruminating thoughts as well as shame or guilt that, in turn, may generate negative emotionality, withdrawal, restlessness, lowered self-esteem, hopelessness and wellbeing Prabhakar et al, 2019;. Although interpersonal forgiveness and self-forgiveness differ in their nature and mechanisms, they also have interdependence.…”

“…On the other hand, the damage caused by lack of interpersonal forgiveness may be confined to decreased external positive interaction and adaptation (Tangney, Boone, & Dearing, 2005). Self-forgiveness has been suggested to be closely associated with the forgiveness of others (Prabhakar et al, 2019). It has been argued that forgiving oneself may facilitate forgiveness of others (Macaskill, Maltby, & Day, 2002;Mills, 1995;Snow, 1993).…”

“…It has been argued that forgiving oneself may facilitate forgiveness of others (Macaskill, Maltby, & Day, 2002;Mills, 1995;Snow, 1993). Self-forgiveness helps establish equanimity with the higher self where the aim is to achieve common humanity or transcendence (Prabhakar et al, 2019). As a part of one's self, self-forgiveness facilitates alignment with the higher self, familiarizes one with a multitude of rewards of forgiveness and makes one aware of the processes and experiences of forgiveness.…”