ABSTRACT

Forgiveness involves a shift from negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to positive ones after a transgression. Previous research supports the benefits of forgiving, particularly for physical and emotional health. However, debates within the character development literatures exist regarding whether forgiveness is a strength that benefits all parties involved in the transgression. For example, forgiveness is often linked to pardoning, condoning, or justifying bad behavior and forswearing justice. Nietzsche regarded forgiveness as a weakness, and as an undesirable attribute or vice; Gandhi, however, believed forgiveness reflected good moral character and virtuous behavior. I propose a relational developmental systems (RDS)-based model of forgiveness as a character strength that benefits both individuals and contexts following a transgression. I situate forgiveness within RDS metatheory and character development and assess forgiveness across two contexts: school bullying and criminal behavior. Implications for research, education, and intervention promoting adaptive social relationships and thriving are discussed.

摘要

宽恕包括在犯罪后从消极的想法、情绪和行为转变为积极的。以前的研究支持宽恕的好处，特别是对身体和情绪健康。然而，性格发展文献中存在关于宽恕是否是一种有利于所有参与过犯的各方的力量的争论。例如，宽恕通常与赦免、宽恕或为不良行为辩护和放弃正义有关。尼采认为宽恕是一种弱点，是一种不受欢迎的属性或恶习。然而，甘地认为宽恕反映了良好的道德品质和美德行为。我提出了一个基于关系发展系统 (RDS) 的宽恕模型，作为一种性格力量，在犯罪后对个人和环境都有好处。我将宽恕置于 RDS 元理论和性格发展中，并在两种情况下评估宽恕：学校欺凌和犯罪行为。讨论了对促进适应性社会关系和繁荣的研究、教育和干预的影响。