"Chains that have kept me bound have been broken free": exploring narratives of self-forgiveness within prison walls
Date
2022
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
An abundance of research exists detailing the benefits of engaging in interpersonal forgiveness across various domains of life (e.g., personal, health, relationships), yet less is known about the implications of intrapersonal forgiveness, specifically in the aftermath of a crime. In fact, self-forgiveness research within criminology is in its infancy. Recent findings problematize this omission by offering promising suggestive evidence of the potential value of forgiving the self, including increased wellbeing, attribution of responsibility, and a commitment to future prosocial behavior (Jenkins, 2018). However, theoretical ambiguity persists regarding potential linkages between self-forgiveness, identity, and human agency following the commission of criminal acts (Suzuki & Jenkins, 2020). As a result, the current study significantly contributes to the conversation surrounding self-forgiveness among those formally involved in the criminal justice system through its investigation of the following questions: how do individuals articulate the process of self-forgiveness?; how do individuals articulate the factors that influence self-forgiveness?; how, if at all, does identity (e.g., race, gender, class) influence the self-forgiveness process?; and how, if at all, do theoretical identity frameworks inform our understanding of self-forgiveness? Written narratives are analyzed to garner a deeper understanding of self-forgiveness processes experienced by criminal justice-involved persons. Findings provide deeper insight into the healing aspects of self-forgiveness, while also illuminating how self-forgiveness can inform correctional practices and policies.
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Keywords
Agency, Crime, Emotions, Identity, Self-forgiveness