Forgive but not forget: From self-forgiveness to posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors

Death Stud. 2022;46(8):1870-1879. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1864064. Epub 2020 Dec 21.

Abstract

Suicide-loss survivors often experience personal growth in the aftermath of a loss, depending on their personal and interpersonal characteristics. The current study focuses on the role of self-forgiveness (SF) as a contributing factor, both directly and indirectly, to posttraumatic growth (PTG) among suicide-loss survivors. Israeli suicide-loss survivors (N = 124) completed questionnaires measuring SF and PTG as well as adaptive coping strategies, social support, and self-disclosure. SF positively contributed to PTG, both directly and indirectly, through interpersonal and cognitive processes. These findings highlight the value of actions promoting self-forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance in psychological interventions with suicide-loss survivors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Posttraumatic Growth, Psychological*
  • Self-Compassion
  • Social Support
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / psychology
  • Suicide* / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology