February 2024
Psychological studies have established that forgiving others and oneself has benefits for wellbeing. But the psychological science of divine forgiveness is less developed.
Earlier research has shown that people who identify as religious are happier and healthier than others. This may be due to positive emotions and meditative practices. But what is the link to seeking divine forgiveness?
It seems that even among people with a belief in higher powers, seeking divine forgiveness is easier for some than for others.
In a new study, psychology researchers Heather Maranges and Frank Fincham at Florida State University propose that trait self-control is important in shaping a person’s likelihood of seeking divine forgiveness. Those with high trait self-control are more prone to doing it than those with low trait self-control. And those who seek it achieve better mental health.
Trait self-control is the ability to regulate one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors in line with one’s goals and with salient norms.
“These results suggest that for those who believe in God, seeking divine forgiveness may be one mechanism that links individuals’ self-control to good psychological health, and this is not merely an artifact of higher levels of religiosity”, write Maranges and Fincham.
Anders Bolling
