Mindfulness and Forgiveness: Insights from Middle Adult Populations

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19694088

Rajashree Roy Som¹ and Lipika Dugar² (Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Kolkata, West Bengal¹ and Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, Amity University, Kolkata, West Bengal²)

The present study examines the relationship between mindfulness and forgiveness in middle-aged adults. Participants were assessed based on questionnaires, namely the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and the Heartland Forgiveness Scale, to analyze the two constructs. Findings revealed that individuals reported moderate levels of both forgiveness and mindfulness. Results further suggested a positive relationship between mindfulness and forgiveness, supporting the hypothesis that higher levels of mindfulness are linked with greater tendencies toward forgiveness. Gender differences were also evaluated however, no significant variations were observed between men and women in relation to either mindfulness or forgiveness, although slight differences emerged in effect size estimates. Overall, the study highlights the meaningful role of mindfulness in fostering forgiveness while indicating that gender does not play a pivotal role in this relationship. This association also highlights the broader framework of positive psychology, where cultivating strengths such as mindfulness and forgiveness contributes to strengthened well-being and personal growth.