A meta-analysis of intergroup forgiveness

This is a member only resource

Become a Member » Log In »
A meta-analysis of intergroup forgiveness

In the past decade interest has flourished in the empirical study of forgiveness in the wake of intergroup conflicts. In the current paper we sought to empirically integrate the diverse predictors of intergroup forgiveness building on a tripartite model that incorporates affective cognitive and constraining features. Using a random effects approach we meta-analyzed (N = 13371; k = 43) correlates of intergroup forgiveness across diverse conflicts (e.g. 65% intrastate 35% interstate) and populations (20 different nationalities; 60% female). We tested the effect of nine distinct predictors and investigated study characteristics as moderators of these effects (i.e. sex of victim and conflict type). Collective guilt [r = 0.49] and trust [r = 0.42] emerged as the strongest facilitators whereas negative emotions [r = −0.33] and in-group identity [r = −0.32] emerged as the strongest barriers to intergroup forgiveness. We discuss practical applications of these findings.

Citation: 
The Journal of Positive Psychology , 2013

Become a Member

The IOC is a global community of coaches.

Join

Contact Us

  • Institute of Coaching
  • McLean Hospital
  • 115 Mill Street, Mail Stop 314
  • Belmont, MA 02478
  • Phone: 617-767-2670
  • info@instituteofcoaching.org