“To have been forgiven by God and those I have wronged first”: A mixed methods study on self-forgiveness

This pre-registered mixed methods study explored factors associated with self-forgiveness as previous research focused on the forgiveness of others from a quantitative perspective. A convenience sample of 102 participants (72% Christian) completed self-report scales including the Heartland Forgiveness Scale and the Perceptions of Forgiveness Scale. Additionally, participants completed four open questions on their own interpretations of forgiveness. We used multiple linear regression for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Divine forgiveness was a positive predictor, but religious commitment and perceived transgressions were negative predictors. Thematic analysis identified three themes: cognitive dissonance, conciliatory behavior, and God image. The findings suggest that subjective interpretations of religion may have an inhibiting role on an individual’s ability to self-forgive. Self-forgiveness appears dependent upon other inhibiting factors including God image, implicitly held virtues, and one’s understanding of forgiveness.