Forgiveness, Psychological Well-being and Depression among College going students

Abstract

The following study examined the relationship between forgiveness, psychological well-being, and depression among college-going students. Forgiveness has always been a fascinating topic as it is defined as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. Forgiveness is mostly directly or indirectly related to the well-being of a person or sometimes can also be a cure for depression. A sense of balance in one’s emotions, thoughts, social interactions, and pursuits is a sign of psychological well- being. It provides a purpose for a person to live happily in life without any psychological issues going on within their minds. Earlier researches reveal that the relationship between forgiveness and psychological well-being is significant and positively correlated while if not forgiven can lead to depression and the correlation between them mostly gives null or negative results

A sample of 100 students (50 hostelers and 50-day scholars) in the age group of 18-25 years, using a purposive sample technique was chosen. They were assessed using standardized measures of these factors. Forgiveness Scale ( Reginald & Carsonin, 2019 ); Psychological well-being scale (Ryff & Keyes, 1989) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (Spitzer et al., 1999). Data were statistically analysed using descriptive statistics, T-ratio, and Pearson correlation. The results indicates no difference among hostelers and day scholars on forgiveness, psychological well-being, and depression. Forgiveness is significant and positively correlated to psychological well-being, while depression is negatively correlated to forgiveness and psychological well-being. There is a partial correlation between hostelers and day scholars on forgiveness, psychological well-being, and depression.