Dispositional Forgiveness and Mental Health and Well-Being

Adaptation of the Toussaint Forgiveness Scale in Georgia and Cross-Cultural Comparison with Poland

Bibliographic Data

ID3484093
AuthorsSebastian Binyamin Skalski-Bednarz (0000-0002-6336-7251, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, corresponding author), Loren L Toussaint (0000-0001-8876-1848, Luther College), Nino Makhashvili (0000-0002-2365-2939, Ilia State University), Mariam Razmadze (Ilia State University), Paweł Dębski (0000-0001-5904-6407, Institute of Psychology), Janusz Surzykiewicz (0000-0001-6099-7226, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt)
Year2025
Volume16
Issue6
Pages720
Publication date2025-06-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel16060720
OpenAlexW4410997691
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited62

Forgiveness is a multidimensional phenomenon that often functions as a disposition; it is closely linked to psychological well-being and religion/spirituality. However, no validated instruments have been available to assess forgiveness in the Georgian context. This study aimed to adapt the Toussaint Forgiveness Scale (TFS) for use in Georgia and to examine cross-cultural patterns of forgiveness and mental health among Georgian Orthodox Christians and Polish Roman Catholics. Methods: Study 1 (N = 321) validated the Georgian TFS using confirmatory factor analysis and assessed its convergent validity with perceived stress and religiosity. Study 2 applied structural equation modeling to analyze associations between forgiveness dimensions and mental health indicators in Georgian (n = 110) and Polish (n = 111) samples. Results: The Georgian TFS showed good psychometric properties. In both groups, self-forgiveness was associated with lower depressive symptoms; in Georgia, it also predicted higher quality of life. Forgiveness by God predicted reduced anxiety and depression in Georgia but not in Poland. Although path patterns varied, overlapping confidence intervals suggest no significant between-group differences. Conclusions: Forgiveness supports mental health across cultures, especially self-forgiveness. Its expression may show subtle, culturally nuanced patterns, though these require cautious interpretation

Cartography · Forgiveness · Geography · Mental health · Psychotherapist · Forgiveness and Related Behaviors · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Military, Security, and Education Studies · Psychology · Social Psychology

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