The apology–forgiveness cycle is a simple but powerful process for conflict resolution. Given the prevalence of apology and forgiveness in restorative justice (RJ), the apology–forgiveness cycle may take place. However, there is a lack of theoretical understanding of the relationship between apology and forgiveness in the RJ processes. After identifying key elements and impediments of the apology–forgiveness cycle during RJ meetings based on the existing literature, we develop a theoretical model of the apology–forgiveness cycle during RJ encounters. This typology explains how the apology–forgiveness cycle is intertwined with the RJ process, subsequently facilitating, blocking, and changing its sequence. There are four cycles: (1) apology facilitating forgiveness, (2) apology without forgiveness, (3) forgiveness promoting apology, and (4) forgiveness without apology. We conclude by offering future directions for research on the apology–forgiveness cycle in RJ.

中文翻译：

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恢复性司法中的道歉 - 宽恕循环，但如何？

道歉-宽恕循环是解决冲突的一个简单但强大的过程。鉴于在恢复性司法 (RJ) 中普遍存在道歉和宽恕，道歉-宽恕循环可能会发生。然而，在 RJ 过程中，对道歉和宽恕之间的关系缺乏理论理解。在根据现有文献确定 RJ 会议期间道歉 - 宽恕周期的关键要素和障碍之后，我们开发了 RJ 会议期间道歉 - 宽恕周期的理论模型。这种类型学解释了道歉-宽恕循环如何与 RJ 过程交织在一起，随后促进、阻止和改变其顺序。有四个循环：（1）道歉促进宽恕，（2）道歉而不宽恕，（3）宽恕促进道歉，(4) 不道歉的宽恕。最后，我们为 RJ 中道歉 - 宽恕周期的研究提供了未来的方向。