Unveiling the nature and attributes of self-forgiveness in young Indian adults: insights from thematic analysis

Abstract

Background: Although interpersonal forgiveness is well studied, there is little research on self-forgiveness. The available research on self-forgiveness is mostly based on interpersonal forgiveness. This study attempts to understand the nature, attributes and dynamics of self-forgiveness. Methods: The data were collected from 25 adults (aged 18–25 years) enrolled in higher education through a semistructured interview and were thematically analysed. Results: The analysis resulted in six themes illustrating how participants understood self-forgiveness. Theme 1 emphasizes early offense realization, reduced anger, and facing consequences, often leading to guilt influenced by moral upbringing. Theme 2 addresses mental and physical discomfort, including rumination and poor concentration. Theme 3 discusses alleviating negative feelings through future actions and viewing mistakes as growth lessons. Theme 4 highlights the importance of relationships with victims, where perceived forgiveness and reconciliation are crucial. Theme 5 describes participants’ beliefs that engaging in positive behaviours towards victims aids self-forgiveness, influenced by the severity of the transgression. Theme 6 describes how the participants’ answers might suggest that traits such as responsibility, empathy, humility, and positive values may facilitate self-forgiveness by promoting self-compassion and accountability. Conclusions: Participants’ descriptions suggested that self-forgiveness is a multifaceted process that might have significant implications for health, well-being and relationships. We suggest that self-forgiveness may be initiated by encouraging individuals to acknowledge and take responsibility for their actions, which in turn may promote self-reflection and accountability. Helping individuals to manage emotions such as anger and guilt may be effective in preventing them from obstructing the self-forgiveness process. Facilitating reconciliation with those harmed and seeking forgiveness from victims can significantly enhance self-forgiveness. Strengthening responsibility, empathy, humility, and positive values might facilitate self-forgiveness by promoting self-compassion and accountability. We propose the Realization-Distress-Reparation-Reconciliation model, a new model of self-forgiveness.