Description

The Forgiveness Scale is a psychometric tool designed to measure an individual’s ability and disposition to forgive others. This scale assesses the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions of the individual towards the perpetrator of harm. The scale was developed to help researchers and clinicians understand the processes of forgiveness and its impact on mental health and interpersonal relationships.

Objective

The primary goal of the Forgiveness Scale is to provide a reliable and valid means of assessing forgiveness. This tool is used to measure an individual’s tendency to forgive and to study the factors that influence the ability and willingness to forgive. It can also be used to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting forgiveness.

Analysis

The Forgiveness Scale consists of a series of statements that assess various aspects of forgiveness. The main dimensions typically examined include:
Cognitive Dimension:
Assesses the individual’s thoughts and perceptions of the perpetrator of harm.
Example statements: “I try to understand the perpetrator’s side of the story.”
Emotional Dimension:
Assesses the individual’s emotions towards the perpetrator, such as anger, hatred, and resentment.
Example statements: “I feel angry when I think about this person.”
Behavioral Dimension:
Assesses the individual’s behaviors and reactions towards the perpetrator, such as avoidance or a desire for reconciliation.
Example statements: “I avoid seeing or talking to this person.”

Scoring

The scoring of the Forgiveness Scale is done using Likert scales, where participants rate each statement on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Responses are collected and analyzed to generate overall scores for each dimension of forgiveness. Higher scores indicate a greater disposition and ability to forgive.

Bibliography

Enright, R. D., & Fitzgibbons, R. P. (2000). Helping Clients Forgive: An Empirical Guide for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope. American Psychological Association.
McCullough, M. E., & Worthington, E. L. Jr. (1994). Models of interpersonal forgiveness and their applications to counseling: Review and critique. Counseling and Values, 39(1), 2-14.
Toussaint, L., & Webb, J. R. (2005). Theoretical and empirical connections between forgiveness, mental health, and well-being. In E. L. Worthington (Ed.), Handbook of Forgiveness (pp. 349-362). Routledge.
Berry, J. W., Worthington, E. L., O’Connor, L. E., Parrott, L. III, & Wade, N. G. (2005). Forgivingness, vengeful rumination, and affective traits. Journal of Personality, 73(1), 183-226.