forgiveness

Forgiveness is the voluntary process of relinquishing negative judgments and feelings—such as anger, resentment, or the desire for retaliation—toward someone who has harmed the individual. It can be directed at others or at oneself (self-forgiveness). Forgiveness does not require forgetting, excusing, or condoning the offense, and it does not automatically entail reconciliation.

Etymology: The verb forgiveness derives from Old English forgiefan, itself from for- 'completely, away' and gifan 'to give.' In modern usage, forgiveness is often treated as a personal choice with psychological and social implications.

In psychology and related fields, forgiveness is studied as a process or outcome. Models include Enright’s four-phase cycle (recognizing the hurt, deciding to forgive, working toward understanding, and release from negative affect) and Worthington’s REACH framework (Recall the hurt, Empathize, Altruistic gift, Commitment, Hold onto forgiveness).

Religious and philosophical traditions frequently discuss forgiveness as a virtue or moral obligation, with variations in emphasis on divine pardon, repentance, and the possibility of genuine forgiveness of offenses against institutions or communities.

Research associates forgiveness with psychological well-being, lower anger and depression, and improved social functioning, though results vary by context and methodology. Self-forgiveness is linked to reduced shame and better mental health but may raise concerns about avoidance or accountability in some cases.

Forgiveness is not always appropriate or safe, particularly in cases of ongoing abuse or where there is no accountability. Critics caution against pressure to forgive, or conflating forgiveness with reconciliation, forgetting, or excusing harm, and acknowledge cultural differences in forgiveness norms.

See also reconciliation, restorative justice, self-forgiveness.