Forgiveness and mental health in South Africa after apartheid

Psychological theory discusses the importance of forgiveness in recovery from violence and intentional trauma victimization. Studies show that forgiveness is associated with reduced anger, better physical health, fewer negative coping behaviors, and better mental health following interpersonal as well as armed conflict. This study uses data from a nationally representative probability survey of 4,351 adult South Africans between the years 2002 and 2004, including a sub-sample of participants (N=380) who experienced human rights violations (HRVs) under apartheid. Past-month non-specific psychological distress, as measured by the Kessler K10 scale, was regressed on z-standardized global feelings about forgiveness or revenge towards others, controlling for demographic variables (race, sex, age, and education). Overall, higher global attitudes about forgiveness and lower attitudes of vengefulness towards others were associated with better mental health (β= -0.79, 95%CI: -1.05, -0.53). This association persisted even among the participants reporting HRVs (β= -1.39, 95%CI: -2.33, -0.45). In this sub-group, a one standard deviation increase in forgiveness was associated with a 1.39 unit decrease in K10 score (theoretical range: 10-50). These results are consistent with findings of previous studies and suggest that interventions to promote feelings of forgiveness following interpersonal or structural violence may help alleviate harmful psychiatric consequences of such violations. Given that structural violence and conflict continues throughout the world, these findings suggest the importance of further longitudinal analyses so that we can better understand the potential for promoting forgiveness as a strategy in lessening the suffering of conflict survivors.