Mind & behavior · 2005
Is a tendency to forgive linked to anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction?
Yes, a tendency to forgive was statistically linked to anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, and anger, but the abstract does not report the direction or strength of those links. The report covers six studies, with no participant ages or backgrounds given. These findings do not show that forgiveness causes changes in how people feel.
Details
The report presents six studies on forgiveness, including the development of a questionnaire about people's general tendency to forgive themselves, other people, and situations. Participants answered the questions themselves, and the questionnaire showed good measurement properties.
Forgiveness statistically predicted anger, anxiety, depression, and satisfaction with life. Here, prediction means a statistical relationship, not proof that forgiveness came first or improved these outcomes. Forgiveness of situations also made a distinct statistical contribution to explaining differences in these outcomes, although the abstract does not specify which other variables were considered.
The abstract does not provide the direction or size of the links with these individual outcomes. It also gives no sample sizes or participant characteristics, so it is difficult to judge how broadly the findings apply. This is evidence of an association, not a test showing that encouraging forgiveness reduces anxiety or depression.
What do you think?
Good conversations begin with curiosity.
You can read comments without an account. Sign in to write.
Loading comments…