Summary of Important Points from the Self-Forgiveness
Journal Article
Dr. Brian Campbell
Abstract
Self-Forgiveness: The Stepchild of Forgiveness Research
Although research on interpersonal forgiveness is burgeoning, there is little conceptual or
empirical scholarship on self-forgiveness. To stimulant research on this topic, a
conceptual analysis of self-forgiveness is offered in which self-forgiveness is defined and
distinguished from interpersonal forgiveness and pseudo-self-forgiveness. The
conditions under which self-forgiveness is appropriate also identified. A theoretical
model describing the processes involved in self-forgiveness following the perpetration of
an interpersonal transgression is outlined and the proposed emotional, self-cognitive, and
offense-related determinants of self-forgiveness are described. The limitations of the
model and its implications for future research are explored.
Conceptual analysis:

Self-forgiveness is defined and distinguished from interpersonal forgiveness and
pseudo self-forgiveness.

Conditions under which self-forgiveness is appropriate are identified.

Theoretical model is given describing the processes involved in self-forgiveness
(after someone has perpetrated a transgression).

The emotional, social-cognitive, and offense-related determinants of selfforgiveness are described.
Limitations of the model and its implications for future research are explored.

Recent surge on research regarding interpersonal forgiveness.

Intrapersonal [self-forgiveness] has received remarkably little attention.
Various definitions of self-forgiveness are explored.
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
Self-forgiveness: a willingness to abandon self-resentment in the face of one’s
own acknowledged objective wrong, while fostering compassion, generosity, and
love towards oneself. [Enright, 1996, p. 115]
Shared features of self-forgiveness and interpersonal forgiveness:

Both unfold over time

Both require objective wrong which the offender is not entitled to forgiveness but
is granted forgiveness nonetheless.

Both forms of forgiveness do not condone the behavior.

Both require a conscious effort that does not occur unintentionally.
Distinctions between interpersonal and intrapersonal forgiveness:

Although interpersonal forgiveness is unconditional, self-forgiveness need not be.

One may set up a condition such that self is only forgiven if he or she continues to
meet these conditions.

Self-forgiveness often entails a resolution to change and to behave differently in
the future.

Interpersonal forgiveness does not imply reconciliation with the offender, whereas
reconciliation with the self is necessary in self-forgiveness.

Choosing not to forgive self can often have more severe consequences than those
associated with a lack of interpersonal forgiveness.

It is impossible to escape the situation by avoiding the transgressor as one might
do in the case of interpersonal transgressions.
To date, no one has studied the consequences of self-unforgiveness and interpersonalunforgiveness.
How are the two processes related? Is one a necessary precondition for the other?

It has been suggested self-forgiveness facilitates interpersonal forgiveness by
allowing one to identify with one’s offender.

It is been argued that interpersonal forgiveness is more authentic and meaningful
when it follows self-forgiveness.
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
There is no empirical evidence regarding the relationship between selfforgiveness and interpersonal forgiveness and there is limited evidence on the
association between the two constructs would suggest they are unrelated or
weekly related.
Self-forgiveness involves forgiving oneself for injury to another person or to oneself.

Self-forgiveness can apply to situations in which the only victim of one’s
behavior is the self.
True self-forgiveness versus pseudo self-forgiveness:

Pseudo self-forgiveness occurs when an offender fails to acknowledge
wrongdoing and accept responsibility. In such a situation, one may indicate that
one has forgiven oneself when, in fact, one does not believe one did anything
wrong.

Guilt and regret must be fully experienced before one can move toward selfforgiveness.

Attempts to forgive oneself, without cognitively and emotionally processing the
transgression and its consequences, are likely to lead to denial, suppression, or
pseudo self-forgiveness.

True self-forgiveness is a long and arduous process that requires much selfexamination and may be very uncomfortable.

Pseudo self-forgiveness can be achieved by self-deception and/or rationalization.
Is self-forgiveness always appropriate?

Self-forgiveness is only appropriate if a wrongdoing actually occurred.
Is self-forgiveness appropriate if an individual has committed a heinous offense, such as
rape or murder?

Self-forgiveness may be viewed as a sign of disrespect toward the victim.
Therefore, it may only be effective or appropriate after the offender is granted
forgiveness by the victim.
Emotional determinants of self-forgiveness:


Guilt
Shame: associated with focus on self.
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Social-cognitive determinants of self-forgiveness:
Attributions
Offense-related determinants of self-forgiveness:

Conciliatory behavior. The extent to which an offender apologizes and seeks
forgiveness for a transgression is positively associated with the victim’s level of
intrapersonal forgiveness.

Perceived forgiveness from victim or a higher power.

Severity of the offense
Limitations of the model:

Model doesn’t attempt to be a comprehensive model of self-forgiveness.