Forgiveness and gender between friends and coworkers

ABSTRACT

Using original instrumentation four vignettes investigated differences in forgiveness of friends based on gender. A general linear model found significant differences in five items that investigated gender differences about doing anything do get ahead, the importance of forgiveness over revenge, being punished for doing wrong, offering forgiveness in relationships, and that men are more likely than women to be forgiving. Women respondents were more likely to believe that people will do anything to get ahead and that forgiving is better than getting revenge. Men believed they were more forgiving. Practitioners should be alert for these themes in their clinical work.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender
• forgiveness
• gender relations
• mental health