Forgiveness and flourishing

Abstract

Abstract This article reviews work that my colleagues and I have conducted over the past 20 years examining connections of forgiveness of others and self-forgiveness with flourishing. I also highlight our work investigating psychoeducational approaches to forgiveness education. Definitions of forgiveness of others, self-forgiveness, divine forgiveness, and flourishing are offered at the outset. Then I turn to considering conceptual models of the forgiveness and flourishing connection. I review both the stress-and-coping models of forgiveness of others and self-forgiveness, and suggest that these models offer a lens on how and why forgiveness might be connected to flourishing. Examples of research testing different aspects of these models are then offered with an eye toward understanding both the direct and mediating/moderating influence of forgiveness and self-forgiveness on flourishing. Forgiveness education is discussed next. Here I review leading methods of forgiveness education (i. e., REACH Forgiveness and Forgive for Good) and review both the steps of each model and provide examples of the efficacy trials that have been done to demonstrate that forgiveness is a teachable skill when appropriate methods are used. I conclude by summarizing what I have learned about forgiveness and suggest some areas of science and society in need of future forgiveness work.