Effect of Forgiveness on Happiness and Well-being

Description

Page: 360-363

Gunjan and Sandeep Singh (Department of Applied Psychology, G.J.U.S.T., Hisar, Haryana)

In the present scenario, it is a big challenge to maximize the happiness and well-being of individuals. Over the last two decades, the association between forgiveness and mental health problems has drawn more and more attention. Human nature has the ability to make good or bad, help or hurt, and to forgive or take revenge. True forgiveness is voluntary, an active process, and a behavior chosen intentionally. Forgiveness is the expression of person’s positive thinking, i.e., by forgiving a person who has done wrong deeds one may enhance their level of subjective happiness. According to Gandhi ji “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong” (Sharma, 2017). “Happiness refers to a general feeling and experience of contentment and joy” (Baumgardner & Crothers, 2012). Forgiveness is positively correlated to happiness among college students (Nelson et al., 2015). Well-being is a state of happiness and contentment, with lower stress and good physical and mental health. Forgiveness is positively correlated to psychological well-being (Brown, 2003). Forgiveness therapy not only reduces general mental health problems like depression, stress but also promotes positive emotions such as mental well-being (Akhtar & Barlow, 2018). The present review explores the effect of forgiveness on happiness and well-being and the review of related researches revealed that people with the virtue of forgiveness report higher level of happiness and well-being in their life.