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Thesis/Dissertation Information
- Degree Disciplines:
- Psychology
Notes
- Abstract:
- Empathy is not a recent concept of interest in psychology, but its effect on forgiveness has sparked new consideration. Empathy is “the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another” (www.dictionary.com). Empathy is also defined as the desire to increase another person’s personal welfare before consideration of one’s own (Batson, Batson, Griffitt, & Barrientos, 1989; Cohen & Strayer, 1996; Levenson & Ruef, 1992). Forgiveness of another can occur because of an empathic response to the other person. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of empathy on the process of forgiveness. Numerous variables contribute to forgiveness, but the focus of this review is on the role of empathy in forgiveness.
When one is hurt or offended, several variables affect one’s reaction: a) whether the offender is a stranger, a friend, or a loved one; b) the strength of the relationship; c) the severity of the offense; and d) the previous experience of a similar transgression (Batson, Duncan, Ackerman, Buckley, & Birch, 1981). Thus, forgiveness is affected by contextual and person-specific factors. Both the offending partner and the offended partner can influence the likelihood that forgiveness will be achieved (Cialdini, Schaller, Houlihan, & Fultz, 1987; McCullough et al., 1998). The empathic response of an offended person in relation to a transgression may be pivotal in the overall process of forgiveness. Empathy is also relevant to the ability to continue to forgive after the initial resolution (Walker & Gorsuch, 2004).
- Thesis:
- Thesis (M.S.)--Barry University, 2008.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibliographical references (leaves 43-49).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Patrick J. Aragon. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- BJ1476 .A73 2008_AragonPatrick ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- BJ1476 .A73 2008 ( lcc )
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