Reconciliation sentiment among former perpetrators of violence during the Colombian armed conflict

Abstract

This study assessed reconciliation sentiment among former members of Colombian paramilitary and guerilla groups. A total of 103 participants who were detained in rehabilitation centers were presented with an augmented version of the Reconciliation Sentiment Questionnaire. Overall, participants considered that they had achieved some measure of reconciliation with the people they harmed. Most viewed themselves as able to control their nervousness and impulses in situations in which victims were physically present or victims were simply evoked, and most felt sure, to a reasonable extent, that victims did not intend to seek vengeance. Nevertheless, a minoritymostly former members of the guerillas and detainees who did not attend rehabilitation programs-was not sure that acts of vengeance would not be attempted. A majority of participants was, to some extent, willing to trust and cooperate with former victims and probably the society at large. Only two, however, were totally convinced that it would be possible to do so.

The emotional fallout of armed conflict in Colombia: Emotions, empathy, and aggression in victims, indirect victims, and members of the military.

“…We hope that our study and future-related efforts will guide public policy, including the development and implementation of psychosocial programs in Colombia (e.g., reconciliation and peace building, Lopez-Lopez et al, 2018; Sarmiento et al, 2021). For instance, the homicide rate in Colombia during the last decade was around 20 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is one of the dramatic outcomes of decades of armed conflict, drug trafficking, and extreme social inequalities resulting from the abandonment of the State (Comision de la Verdad, 2022; World Bank, 2022).…”

The FARC in Colombia: Collective Reintegration and Social Identity Transformation

“…The prospects of a successful reintegration process increasingly vanished as the process seemed decreasingly able to satisfy the basic needs of former combatants, particularly with regard to security (Bar‐Tal, 2013; Kelman, 2010). These perceptions might add to feelings of insecurity and fear of vengeance, which were already common, particularly among former guerrillas (López‐López, Rincón, Pineda‐Marín, & Mullet, 2018). All these challenges seemed to culminate in the experience of an existential identity threat.…”

“…Losing hope in the success of reintegration might decrease former combatants' perception of the benefits of this peace process and weaken their intention to reintegrate (López‐López et al, 2018). These challenges highlight the need for structured, guided interventions that will consider the needs of former combatants and society and that can provide opportunities for intergroup contact, reintegration, and reconciliation.…”

Colombian People’s Willingness to Forgive Offenses against Women Perpetrated during the Armed Conflict

“…Promoting reconciliation at the national level (e.g., through Truth Commissions) can create the necessary conditions for a change in people's attitudes, but these collective efforts may have drawbacks (Cilliers, Dube, & Siddiqi, 2016;Twose, & Mahoney, 2015;Kpanake & Mullet, 2011). As a result, examining how former opponents in countries which have experienced bloody internal conflicts are able to personally forgive and to feel forgiven is not a futile exercise (Cárdenas, Páez, Arnoso, & Rimé, 2017;Gibson, 2007, López López, León Rincón, Pineda Marín, & Mullet, 2018.…”