Exploring the similarities and differences in the forgiveness of the Indian older adults living in old-age homes and families: a thematic analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study examined perceived transgressions and concomitant forgiveness among Indian older adults living in old-age homes and families. The thematic analysis method was employed to analyze interviews with 22 older adults. Severe loss, serious neglect, and cheating were the perceived transgressions of the older adults from old-age homes whereas day-to-day issues characterized the perceived transgressions of the families’ older adults. Pseudo-forgiveness was observed in the older adults residing in old-age homes because of their feelings of helplessness and their fear of losing respect, while affiliation, perceived harm, the realisation of offence, and perceived consequences of punishment were precursors to forgiveness in family-living older adults. Both groups acknowledged the role of offence, intention, relationships, attributions, and commitment to socio-cultural and moral values in forgiveness.