Fajriah Rahmah B Arafah, Adriana Soekandar Ginanjar

"I forgive but do not forget": A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing Forgiveness in Older Adults

Introduction

"i forgive but do not forget": a systematic review of factors influencing forgiveness in older adults. Explore factors influencing forgiveness in older adults through a systematic review. Discover how religiosity, aging, time, transgressions, and cultural norms impact this complex process.

Abstract

Forgiveness in the elderly is a complex process influenced by various internal and external factors. Studies on forgiveness in older adults highlight that time, life experiences, and individual characteristics play crucial roles in understanding and practicing forgiveness. This narrative literature review aimed to explain the factors influencing forgiveness in older individuals. The review included eight studies that met the specified inclusion criteria: discuss forgiveness, studying elderly individuals, and published within the last ten years 2014 to 2024. The literature review identified several factors affecting forgiveness in the elderly: (a) religiosity; (b) aging characteristics; (c) time; (d) the nature of transgressions; and (e) obligation to societal and cultural norms. Further exploration of the process of forgiveness among older adults is recommended for future research

Review

This systematic review, "I forgive but do not forget": A Systematic Review of Factors Influencing Forgiveness in Older Adults, addresses a highly salient and complex topic within gerontology and psychology. Forgiveness in later life is a process with significant implications for mental well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life among older adults. By synthesizing existing literature to identify the critical factors at play, this review provides a valuable contribution to the field, laying important groundwork for both a deeper theoretical understanding and potential practical applications in supporting older individuals. The methodology employed, albeit based on a limited pool of eight studies, demonstrates a clear and focused approach. The specified inclusion criteria—discussing forgiveness, studying elderly individuals, and publication within the last decade—ensure the relevance and currency of the selected literature. The identification of key factors such as religiosity, aging characteristics, the role of time, the nature of transgressions, and the influence of societal and cultural norms offers a comprehensive, albeit initial, framework for understanding this multifaceted phenomenon. These identified factors provide a useful starting point for researchers looking to unravel the intricate dynamics of forgiveness in this specific demographic. While providing a strong foundational overview, the review rightly points to the need for further exploration. The limited number of studies included suggests that research in this specific area is still nascent, underscoring the importance of this review in highlighting gaps. Future research could benefit from employing diverse methodologies, including longitudinal studies to track the evolution of forgiveness over time, qualitative studies to delve into the subjective experiences and "how" of forgiveness, and cross-cultural comparisons to further elucidate the impact of societal norms. Such continued investigation will be crucial in developing targeted interventions or support systems that genuinely enhance the well-being of older adults grappling with issues of forgiveness.

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