Dispositional and Contextual Predictors of Forgiveness in Adults with Limb Amputation

Abstract

Although people with limb amputation are exposed to different offenses related to their physical disability, there is no research exploring ways they cope with such stressors. One of prosocial methods of dealing with interpersonal transgressions is forgiveness. The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between dispositional forgiveness, contextual factors, and decisional and emotional forgiveness of a particular offense in people living with limb loss. One hundred and two persons (58 females and 44 males) with limb amputation aged 18 to 75 (M = 41.69, SD = 14.39) took part in a study. Participants completed the Heartland Forgiveness Scale, the Decision to Forgive Scale, the Emotional Forgiveness Scale and five items regarding transgressions related to limb amputation. Results revealed that disposition to forgive and contextual factors like apology and relationship quality, but not the severity of transgression, were related to acts of forgiveness following particular transgressions. However, different variables explained distinct aspects of episodic forgiveness. Decisional forgiveness was related to disposition to forgive and apology being offered by the wrongdoer. Reduction of negative emotions was explained by dispositional overcoming unforgiveness, whereas presence of positive emotions was associated only with contextual factors (apology and quality of the relationship). The findings demonstrated the complexity of experiencing forgiveness in the population of amputees. Introducing the practical implications of the study in rehabilitation and counseling for people who lost their limbs is recommended.