Qualitative Understanding of Unforgiveness among Indian Adults: A Thematic Analysis

Background: Unforgiveness is an internal state of a person in face of a transgression where they hold negative emotions and rumination towards the transgressor. Although there are studies that have shown its positive and negative consequences, there is still a lack of studies explaining the full complexity of unforgiveness. Researchers have suggested that there is a strong need to explore the construct through further studies. Objective: The present study aims to explore the nature and dynamics of unforgiveness among Indian adults through a qualitative study. Method: Thirty-eight participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. They were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol. Interview contents were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the thematic analysis method. Results: Three themes were identified: costs of unforgiveness, benefits of unforgiveness, and lowering strategies of unforgiveness. The costs associated with unforgiveness reported by participants were loneliness, diminished support, fear of re-victimization, guilt, and negative emotions etc. Whereas, increased happiness and satisfaction, increased adaptability, increased self-worth, and a sense of security were described as benefits of unforgiveness. Participants also described some strategies that can act as strategies to reduce unforgiveness. Seeking forgiveness by the offender, apology by the offender, positive change in the offender, and considering ill-conditions of the offender were some of the mechanisms highlighted by participants to reduce unforgiveness. Conclusions: Thus, unforgiveness is a complex psychological phenomenon which exerts certain positive and negative impacts on its adherents.