The Adolescent as Forgiver

Authors

Radhi Al-MabukFollow
Robert D. EnrightFollow
Maria J.D. Santos

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Adolescence

Volume

12

Issue

1

First Page

95

Last Page

110

Abstract

A social cognitive developmental model of forgiveness is described and tested in two studies, the second being a replication of the first. In study 1, 59 subjects in grades 4, 7, 10, college and in adulthood were given a forgiveness interview that assessed six stages of forgiveness development, Rest's DIT measure of justice development, and a religiosity scale. As predicted, there were strong age trends for forgiveness and justice. Both forgiveness and justice were related but distinct constructs. The more one practiced one's faith, the higher one was in forgiveness stage. Study 2, with 60 subjects, replicated the above findings. The studies give strong evidence that people's understanding of forgiveness develops with age. Implications for adolescent development are drawn. © 1989.

Department

Department of Educational Psychology, Foundations, and Leadership Studies

Original Publication Date

1-1-1989

DOI of published version

10.1016/0140-1971(89)90092-4

Recommended Citation

Al-Mabuk, Radhi; Enright, Robert D.; and Santos, Maria J.D., "The Adolescent as Forgiver" (1989). Faculty Publications. 6367.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/6367