A Conceptual-Theoretical-Empirical Framework for Self-Forgiveness: Implications for Research and Practice

Self-forgiveness literature has grown in depth and breadth since its inception in 1974. In 2005, Hall and Fincham proposed a conceptual process model of self-forgiveness. In approximately 10 years, there have been considerable advancements in conceptual understanding and empirical findings but less refinement of a theoretical framework. This article outlines a Conceptual-Theoretical-Empirical (C-T-E) framework to explain the origins, processes, and ethical limitations of self-forgiveness; to refine the definition of self-forgiveness; and to improve upon Hall and Fincham's (2005 Hall, J. H. &; Fincham F. D. (2005). Self-forgiveness: The stepchild of forgiveness research. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 24, 621–637. doi:10.1521/jscp.2005.24.5.621[Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) model. This C-T-E framework provides a social-cognitive theoretical structure to direct future research and therapeutic practice.