Sanctification of Forgiveness

摘要

Previous research has yielded mixed evidence regarding the relationship between religion/spirituality (R/S) and orgiveness, largely because of imprecise measurement approaches. The current investigation conceptualizes sanctification of forgiveness as imbuing forgiveness with sacred meaning. In Study 1 (N 425), we developed a scale to measure to sanctification of forgiveness, and we provided evidence for construct validity. Exploratory factor analyses revealed three subscales, and these were confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis. In Study 2 (N 123), we employed a longitudinal design to measure how sanctifying forgiveness predicted changes in forgiveness over time. Across six time points, sanctification positively predicted forgiveness, even when controlling for religiousness/spirituality. Implications for religion/spirituality, forgiveness, and the measurement of these constructs are discussed.