Forgiveness and Physical Health: A Review of Theory and Evidence

Abstract

This chapter offers an overview of the forgiveness and health connection. We offer a review of common ways to define forgiveness of others and self-forgiveness. Stress-and-coping theories of forgiveness of others and self-forgiveness are outlined. Both theories consider antecedents, correlates, and health outcomes of forgiveness of others and self-forgiveness and both offer a comprehensive and interpretive lens through which to view empirical research on associations between forgiveness of others and self-forgiveness with health outcomes. In reviewing 73 studies, we found seventy-five percent showed at least one connection between a dimension of forgiveness and a physical health outcome. We conclude by integrating and interpreting the research literature, identifying caveats and limitations, and offering a research agenda. Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to think broadly and model forgiveness-health relationships on established psychological and health theories and to execute theory-guided studies of the forgiveness and health connection. mehr

Mehr zum Titel

Titel	Forgiveness and Physical Health: A Review of Theory and Evidence
Verlag	Springer Nature Switzerland
Herausgeber	Sirois, Fuschia M.
ISBN	978-3-031-89095-6
Verfasser	Loren Toussaint, Jon Webb, Dr. Jameson Hirsch, Prof. Dr. Niko Kohls, Martin Offenbaecher, Jessie Dezutter, Quang Nguyen, Miguel Vallejo, Fuschia Sirois
Seiten	245–268
Veröffentlichungsdatum	09.07.2025
Zitation	Toussaint, Loren; Webb, Jon; Hirsch, Jameson; Kohls, Niko; Offenbaecher, Martin; Dezutter, Jessie; Nguyen, Quang; Vallejo, Miguel; Sirois, Fuschia (2025): Forgiveness and Physical Health: A Review of Theory and Evidence. , 245–268. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-89095-6_11