Self‐forgiveness: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Abstract

Traditionally, self‐forgiveness has been framed as a process that helps facilitate psychological as well as physiological well‐being following wrongdoing. In the present paper, we outline the limits and boundaries of this presupposition. Specifically, we outline contexts in which self‐forgiveness might yield negative consequence that include, among other things, a continuation of the wrongful behavior. First, we provide evidence that self‐forgiveness for ongoing, wrongful behavior (e.g., smoking) alleviates negative feelings associated with acknowledged wrongs committed by the self, which does little to motivate behavioral change. We then discuss the complication that is pseudo‐self‐forgiveness – a situation in which people shift some responsible away from the self for wrongs committed by the self. This outward shift in responsibility lets the self “off the hook”, which increases the likelihood that the wrongful behavior will continue. Drawing on these discussions, a path model for behavioral change that places self‐forgiveness at its core is offered. Although we present some pessimism regarding the outcome of the self‐forgiveness process, this paper points to situations and attributions that maximize its positive effects.

Self-forgiveness and forgiveness-seeking in response to rumination: Cardiac and emotional responses of transgressors

“…Dixon, earl, Lutz-Zois, Goodnight, and Peatee (2014) found that the predictors of self-forgiveness were self-evaluative perfectionism through the mediation of self-acceptance and rumination. Wohl and McLaughlin (2014) presented a multilayered model of self-forgiveness which flows from an offensive behavior, to recognition, attribution (internal vs. external), acceptance of responsibility, and ends in five possible outcomes, ranging from no self-forgiveness to genuine self-forgiveness with behavior cessation. This model predicts that self-forgiveness may be genuine or not, in which the perpetrator lets him or herself 'off the hook' by accepting less responsibility than warranted by the infraction.…”

O Perdão sob a Perspectiva do Ofensor: uma Revisão da Sistemática

“…Apesar da diversidade de definições e da ausência de concordância sobre o que é o autoperdão, já existe na literatura um maior consenso na delimitação daquilo que ele não é. Houve uma clara distinção entre autoperdão e outros comportamentos de defesa, como negar, minimizar ou justificar a ofensa. Esses comportamentos podem ser denominados de pseudo-autoperdão, uma vez que não há o reconhecimento do erro e a aceitação da responsabilidade, que são fundamentais para o autoperdão genuíno que, por sua vez, requer tempo e esforço (Cornish, & Wade, 2015;Exline et al, 2011;Fisher, & Exline, 2006;2010;Kim, & Enright, 2014;Robb III, 2007;Ursúa & Echegoyen, 2015;vanOyen-Witvliet et al, 2011;Wenzel et al, 2012;Wohl & McLaughlin, 2014;Woodyatt & Wenzel, 2013a.…”

“…A aceitação da responsabilidade foi, inclusive, citada nos estudos revisados como um dos componentes fundamentais para que o autoperdão seja genuíno (Cornish & Wade, 2015;Exline et al, 2011;Fisher & Exline, 2006, 2010Griffin, Lavelock & Worthington Jr., 2014;Kim, & Enright, 2014;McConnell, Dixon, & Finch, 2012;Robb III, 2007;Ursúa, & Echegoyen, 2015;Oyen-Witvliet et al, 2011;Wenzel et al, 2012;Wohl, & McLaughlin, 2014;Wohl et al, 2010;Woodyatt, & Wenzel, 2013a;b;Worthington, & Langberg, 2012). Afirmou-se nesses estudos que é preciso, inicialmente, reconhecer a injustiça cometida, assumir a responsabilidade e vivenciar as emoções negativas oriundas dela, para em seguida elaborar essa ofensa e reconquistar a autoaceitação, apesar do erro cometido.…”

“…Os estudos revisados centraram-se, majoritariamente, nos aspectos positivos do autoperdão. Entretanto, três deles voltaram-se para um possível aspecto negativo do autoperdão, focando nas situações em que o mesmo poderia não ser apropriado (Squires, Sztainert, Gillen, Caouette, & Wohl, 2012;Wohl, & McLaughlin, 2014;Wohl, & Thompson, 2011…”

Perpetrator groups can enhance their moral self-image by accepting their own intergroup apologies

“…On the other hand, there are pragmatic benefits to self-forgiveness. At an interpersonal level, for example, self-forgiveness can help to restore perpetrators' sense of morality, and consequently has a positive impact on reconciliation (Wohl & McLaughlin, 2014;Woodyatt & Wenzel, 2014).…”