The Transformational Dynamics of Becoming Forgiving of the Seemingly Unforgivable: A Qualitative Heuristic Study

Abstract

This study was concerned with the investigation of the self- transforming nature of becoming forgiving following victimizing situations, initially felt to be beyond one's ability to forgive. How did some individuals forgive that which was seemingly unforgivable? What facilitated, what inhibited, and what was the impact of this form of forgiveness (labeled in this study as “transformative forgiveness”)? These research questions were explored in a qualitative heuristic design, mainly at the individual, intrapsychic level. The final sample consisted of 13 participants from various ethnic and spiritual backgrounds, who had forgiven seemingly unforgivable offenses and experienced significant transformation in the process.

Keywords:

• forgiveness
• transformation
• therapeutic
• heuristic
• qualitative research