The Healing Power of Letting Go: Investigating Forgiveness as a Predictor of Psychological Well-being among University Youth

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the role of forgiveness as a predictor of psychological well-being among university students. It looked at how different degrees of forgiveness affect important dimensions of well-being as they are conceived in Ryff’s psychological well-being model. The study used a comparative cross-sectional design. Using the percentile rank method, forgiveness was categorized into two groups: High Forgiveness (HF) and Low Forgiveness (LF) based on Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS) scores. N = 120 postgraduate students (age 21-25 years) from Himachal Pradesh University were included in the sample; 60 participants were chosen at random for each forgiveness category. The results showed that students who were more forgiving reported higher levels of emotional stability, self-acceptance, and positive relationships, all of which are important components of psychological well-being. Forgiveness, on the other hand, demonstrated weaker ties to autonomy, personal development, and life purpose, all of which might be more dependent on personal drive and life experience. Therefore, this study suggests incorporating positive psychology techniques and forgiveness-based approaches into university counselling and student support programs to provide significant assistance for students’ emotional and mental health. However, promoting young adults’ long-term well-being still requires a comprehensive strategy that considers more general developmental objectives.