Forgiveness reasoning in institutionalized elderly

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of forgiveness reasoning in men with a mean age of 72 years, residing in a long-term institution for the elderly, in the city of Joao Pessoa, Paraiba. Two instruments were used: The cover page of the EFI Scale, which provides data on grief and forgiveness, and the Dilemma of John, which assesses the ability to role-taking, understanding forgiveness, and the conditions that facilitate forgiveness. The instruments were administered in individual sessions, and interviews were taped and transcribed. The data showed that most seniors made mention of grievances with a prevalence of recent situations. 70% of subjects were capable of role-taking and 30% had difficulty putting themselves in the shoes of the character of the hypothetical dilemma. Thoughts prevailed in favor of forgiveness with justifications based on institutional religious expectations and/or socio-emotional reasons. It was also observed idleness and boredom of residents reported by the elderly. It is expected that intervention programs can promote the willingness to forgive and to adopt coping strategies for injustices.