Receiving Forgiveness as Moral Education: a theoretical analysis and initial empirical investigation

Abstract

The importance of forgiveness is being recognised increasingly in psychological and educational circles. However, most work to date has focused on the experience of offering forgiveness to another. This article represents a theoretical and empirical analysis of the much‐neglected experience of accepting another's forgiveness. Most previous theorising suggests the outcomes of receiving forgiveness are positive, but research in related areas implies that this might not always be the case. Quantitative and qualitative data in this article suggest that the effects of accepting another's forgiveness are usually positive. These effects are explored from psychological, social and moral vantage points, and recommendations for moral education programmes are offered.