Abstract
Self-forgiveness is typically conceptualized as an abandonment of self-condemnation in the face of acknowledged, self-directed harm-doing that helps the harm-doer make a positive change in their life. In this chapter, we qualify the link between self-forgiveness and well-being by outlining theory and research that positions self-forgiveness for an ongoing, harmful behavior as a hindrance to positive behavioral change. We argue that self-forgiveness in this context de-motivates behavioral change by alleviating negative emotions (e.g., guilt) that are needed to initiate change. The net effect is a maintenance of the behavioral status quo. We conclude by outlining a conceptual model of self-forgiveness for ongoing harm-doing that situates this dark side of self-forgiveness within the broader self-forgiveness literature. In doing so, we point to potentially fruitful avenues for future research.
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Wohl, M.J.A., Salmon, M.M., Hollingshead, S.J., Lidstone, S.K., Tabri, N. (2017). The Dark Side of Self-Forgiveness: Forgiving the Self Can Impede Change for Ongoing, Harmful Behavior. In: Woodyatt, L., Worthington, Jr., E., Wenzel, M., Griffin, B. (eds) Handbook of the Psychology of Self-Forgiveness. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60573-9_11
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