How People Forgive: A Systematic Review of Nurse-Authored Qualitative Research

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review of qualitative forgiveness studies by nurse authors is to contribute to the body of holistic nursing knowledge by discovering answers to the following research questions: (a) where/how does a person get the power to forgive? and (b) what are the people who forgive like? Method: We conducted a systematic search of the English language, peer-reviewed literature for nurse-authored, primary qualitative research that answered our research questions. A total of 188 potential studies were found, and 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Study participants used interpersonal, intrapersonal, and transpersonal sources of power to forgive, including prayer, meditation, and support from family, friends, and nurses. The findings also revealed the cognitive, emotional, and spiritual traits of forgiving people, including being faith oriented, empathetic, and understanding the meaning of forgiveness as letting go of negative emotions. The findings confirm activities listed under “Forgiveness Facilitation” (2018) in Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and suggest additions. Conclusion: This literature review adds to nursing knowledge by synthesizing the findings of the review in a way that provides guidance to nurses to help facilitate forgiveness with patients who want that.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation Processes in Dying Patients With Cancer

“…These levels have recently attracted attention in end-of-life care. 8,9,[12][13][14] Forgiveness processes resemble ones leading to reconciliation, as reported also by Walker and Gorsuch. 34 We found the 5-phase model (1: denial, 2: crisis, 3: experience of hope, 4: decision, 5: reconciliation/R) helpful for understanding the "ups and downs" of many processes, also when patients fell back into denial or crisis after experiencing F/R (Figure 1: No.5;13;60).…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11] The interpersonal, intrapersonal, and spiritual dimensions of forgiveness have recently attracted increasing attention. 8,9,[12][13][14] Unresolved forgiveness issues and guilt may cause spiritual distress. 15,16 Forgiveness and reconciliation may strengthen relationships, 17,18 enhance peace of mind, 2,6 and help ensure a more peaceful death.…”

The Efficacy of a Forgiveness Bibliotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Nursing Students

“…There is little research addressing the best path forward to successfully implementing the forgiveness needs of our patients in nursing facilities. In a systematic review by Recine et al (2020), researchers discovered that a strong interpersonal, trusted relationship with an interested, nonjudgmental listener (i.e., nurse, clergy, friend, or family member) contributes to one’s decision to forgive. Researchers Ferrell et al (2014) and Wittenberg et al (2016) examined the experiences of nurses and the communication strategies implemented during a shared nursing situation that facilitates forgiveness.…”

Evaluation of the relationships between nurses' forgiveness, compassion, and professional commitment

“…Forgiveness is a corresponded concept in work–life of nurses as an integral part of assessment and intervention 2 . Forgiveness facilitation in Nursing Interventions Classification, which includes a comprehensive standardized classification of nurses' interventions, is defined as “Assisting an individual's willingness to replace feelings of anger and resentment toward another, self, or higher power with beneficence, empathy and humility.” 6 , p. 203 Nurses facilitate their patients to forgive by guiding their patients to find social and spiritual sources of power and help them to find power and peace 7 . Forgiveness is considered an important merit in the literature of philosophy and religion and coincides with compassion.…”

“…6, p. 203 Nurses facilitate their patients to forgive by guiding their patients to find social and spiritual sources of power and help them to find power and peace. 7 Forgiveness is considered an important merit in the literature of philosophy and religion and coincides with compassion. In psychology, it is mentioned that love and compassion are the basis of forgiveness.…”