International Journal of Social Science & Economic Research
Submit Paper

Title:
Exploring Forgiveness: Pathways to Healing and Reconciliation

Authors:
Melanie Rosario C. Libatique , Victoria N. Apuan and Maria Lourdes L. Chavez

Journal: International Journal of Social Science and Economic Research (IJSSER)
ISSN: 2455-8834
Volume: 11
Issue: 5
Publication Date: May 2026
DOI: 10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.003

|| ||

Melanie Rosario C. Libatique1 , Victoria N. Apuan2 and Maria Lourdes L. Chavez3
1,2,3. School of Arts ,Science and Education , Miriam College , Quezon City, Philippines

MLA 8
Libatique, Melanie Rosario C., et al. "Exploring Forgiveness: Pathways to Healing and Reconciliation." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, vol. 11, no. 5, May 2026, pp. 1859-1872, doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.003. Accessed May 2026.
APA 6
Libatique, M., Apuan, V., & Chavez, M. (2026, May). Exploring Forgiveness: Pathways to Healing and Reconciliation. Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research, 11(5), 1859-1872. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.003
Chicago
Libatique, Melanie Rosario C., Victoria N. Apuan, and Maria Lourdes L. Chavez. "Exploring Forgiveness: Pathways to Healing and Reconciliation." Int. j. of Social Science and Economic Research 11, no. 5 (May 2026), 1859-1872. Accessed May, 2026. https://doi.org/10.46609/IJSSER.2026.v11i05.003.

References

[1] . Ahmed SK, Mohammed RA, Nashwan AJ, Ibrahim RH, Abdalla AQ, Ameen BMM, et al. Using thematic analysis in qualitative research. J Med Surg Public Health. 2025;100198. doi: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100198
[2] . Ahmed S, Khan R, Lopez D. Evolving patterns: A systematic review of thematic analysis applications in qualitative health research. Int J Qual Methods. 2025;24:112–30. doi: 10.1177/16094069241234567
[3] . Alejo AE. Loob as relational interiority: A contribution to the philosophy of the human person. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University; [n.d.].
[4] . Allemand M, Grünenfelder-Steiger AE, Fend HA, Hill PL. Self-control in adolescence predicts forgivingness in middle adulthood. J Pers. 2023;91(2):400–12. doi: 10.1111/jopy.12735
[5] . Allemand M, Zimprich D, Hertzog C. Forgiveness and spiritual resilience in older adults: A longitudinal study. J Aging Health. 2022;34(5):657–74. doi: 10.1177/08982643221089123
[6] . Almeida B, Cunha C. Time, resentment, and forgiveness: Impact on the well-being of older adults. Trends Psychol. 2023. doi: 10.1007/s43076-023-00343-2
[7] . Berry JW, Worthington EL, O’Connor LE, Parrott L, Wade NG. Forgivingness, vengeful rumination, and affective traits. J Pers. 2004;73(1):183–226. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2004.00308.x
[8] . Bono G, McCullough ME. Religion, forgiveness, and adjustment in older adulthood. In: Schaie KW, Krause N, Booth A, editors. Religious influences on health and well-being in the elderly. New York: Springer; 2004. p. 163–86.
[9] . Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual Res Psychol. 2006;3(2):77–101. doi: 10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
[10] . Brown J, Errington L. Bowen family systems theory and practice: Illustration and critique revisited. Aust N Z J Fam Ther. 2024. doi: 10.1002/anzf.1589
[11] . Brudek P, Steuden S, Kaleta K. Wisdom and wellbeing in polish older adults: The mediating role of forgiveness. Front Psychol. 2023;14:1163113. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1163113
[12] . Camadan F, Kaya ÖS, Yazici H. The role of forgiveness and self-esteem in the explanation of well-being. Uluda? Univ E?it Fak Derg. 2023;36(3):1013–36. doi: 10.19171/uefad.1259144
[13] . Chase SE. Narrative inquiry: Multiple lenses, approaches, voices. In: Denzin NK, Lincoln YS, editors. The Sage handbook of qualitative research. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications Ltd; 2005. p. 651–79.
[14] . Chen PY, Ho WC, Lo C, Yeh TP. Predicting Ego Integrity Using Prior Ego Development Stages for Older Adults in the Community. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(18):9490. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18189490
[15] . Clandinin DJ. Narrative inquiry: A methodology for studying lived experience. Res Stud Music Educ. 2006;27(1):44–54. doi: 10.1177/1321103x060270010301
[16] . Clandinin DJ. Engaging in narrative inquiry. Walnut Creek: Left Coast Press; 2013.
[17] . Clandinin DJ, Connelly FM. Narrative and story in practice and research. ERIC Repository; 1989. Available from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED309681
[18] . Clandinin DJ, Connelly FM. Storying and restorying ourselves: Narrative and reflection. In: Chen A, Maanen JV, editors. The reflective spin: Case studies of teachers in higher education transforming action. Singapore: World Scientific; 2000. p. 15–23. doi: 10.1142/9789812567512_0002
[19] . Connelly FM, Clandinin DJ. Stories of experience and narrative inquiry. Educ Res. 1990;19(5):14. doi: 10.1080/03323315.2018.1465839
[20] . Creswell JW, Poth CN. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications; 2017.
[21] . Daiute C, Lightfoot C. Narrative analysis: Studying the development of individuals in society. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc; 2004.
[22] . De la Torre E, Santos M, Cruz L. Religious faith and coping in the forgiveness process among elderly adults. J Relig Spiritual Aging. 2021;33(3):245–61. doi: 10.1080/15528030.2021.1884721
[23] . Enright RD. Forgiveness is a choice: A step-by-step process for resolving anger and restoring hope. Washington DC: American Psychological Association; 2001.
[24] . Enright RD. The forgiving life: A pathway to overcoming resentment and creating a legacy of love. Washington DC: American Psychological Association LifeTools; 2012.
[25] . Enright RD, Fitzgibbons RP. Measures of interpersonal forgiveness. In: Enright RD, Fitzgibbons RP, editors. Forgiveness therapy: An empirical guide for resolving anger and restoring hope. Washington DC: American Psychological Association; 2015. p. 251–69.
[26] . Enright RD, Fitzgibbons RP. Forgiveness therapy: An empirical guide for resolving anger and restoring hope. 2nd ed. Washington DC: American Psychological Association; 2020.
[27] . Enright RD, Human Development Study Group. The moral development of forgiveness. In: Kurtines W, Gewirtz J, editors. Moral behavior and development. Vol. 1. New York: Psychology Press; 1991. p. 123–52.
[28] . Ente RMJ, Gian J, Nelmida C, Ricafort C, Basmayor N. Understanding the lived experiences of families with extended family members: A phenomenological study. Florence: Interdiscip J Health Sustain. 2024;2(1):27–31. doi: 10.56183/p9s95450
[29] . Exline JJ, Worthington EL, Hill P, McCullough ME. Forgiveness and justice: A research agenda for social and personality psychology. Pers Soc Psychol Rev. 2003;7(4):337–48. doi: 10.1207/s15327957pspr0704_06
[30] . Fehr R, Gelfand MJ, Nag M. The road to forgiveness: A meta-analytic synthesis of its situational and dispositional correlates. Psychol Bull. 2010;136:894–914. doi: 10.1037/a0019993
[31] . Feroz A, Oliveri A, Goldenberg M, Takhar G, Hur M, et al. Addressing conflicts in later life through intergenerational mediation: A scoping review. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Plus. 2025;100178. doi: 10.1016/j.aggp.2025.100178
[32] . Folkman S. Stress: Appraisal and Coping. In: Gellman MD, Turner JR, editors. Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. New York: Springer; 2013. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_215
[33] . Foulk MA, Ingersoll-Dayton B, Fitzgerald J. Mindfulness-based forgiveness groups for older adults. J Gerontol Soc Work. 2017;60(8):661–75. doi: 10.1080/01634372.2017.1374314
[34] . Gambaro ME, Enright RD, Baskin TW, Klatt JS. School-based forgiveness education for the management of trait anger in early adolescence. J Res Educ. 2008;18:16–27.
[35] . Gautam S, Jain A, Chaudhary J, Gautam M, Gaur M, et al. Concept of mental health and mental well-being, its determinants and coping strategies. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024;66(Suppl 2):S231–S244. doi: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_707_23
[36] . Hatala AR. Towards a biopsychosocial–spiritual approach in health psychology: Exploring theoretical orientations and future directions. J Spiritual Ment Health. 2013;15(4):256–76. doi: 10.1080/19349637.2013.776448
[37] . Haydon G, Van der Riet P. Narrative inquiry: A relational research methodology suitable to explore narratives of health and illness. Nord J Nurs Res. 2017;37(2):85–9. doi: 10.1177/2057158516675217
[38] . Hill EW. Discovering forgiveness through empathy: implications for couple and family therapy. J Fam Ther. 2012;32(2):169–85. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-6427.2010.00492.x
[39] . Hoffman J Jr. Seeking forgiveness in marriage: A qualitative study [dissertation]. Minneapolis: Capella University; 2021.
[40] . Huber S. Core dimensions, centrality, and content: An interdisciplinary model of religiosity. J Psychol. 2008;16(3).
[41] . Iecovich E. Sources of stress and conflicts between elderly patients, their family members and personnel in care settings. J Gerontol Soc Work. 2000;34(2):73–88. doi: 10.1300/j083v34n02_07
[42] . Izadi ZS, Mirsaleh YR, Choobforoushzadeh A. Investigating facilitating factors of forgiveness process in betrayed people: A qualitative study. Women Fam Cult-Educ J. 2022;17(59):85–103.
[43] . Jabbari B, Schoo C, Rouster AS. Family dynamics. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560487/
[44] . Jiang V, Galin A, Lea X. Life review for older adults: An integrative review. Psychogeriatrics. 2024;24(6):1402–17. doi: 10.1111/psyg.13194
[45] . Kent BV, Bradshaw M, Uecker JE. Forgiveness, attachment to God, and mental health outcomes in older U.S. adults: a longitudinal study. Res Aging. 2017;40(5):456–79. doi: 10.1177/0164027517706984
[46] . Kerr ME, Bowen M. Family evaluation: An approach based on Bowen theory. New York: WW Norton & Co; 1988.
[47] . Kim J. Understanding narrative inquiry. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, Inc; 2016. doi: 10.4135/9781071802861
[48] . Kim S, Park H, Lee J. Intergenerational transmission of forgiveness: Spirituality and family reconciliation in later life. Aging Ment Health. 2021;25(10):1925–35. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1825390
[49] . Krok D, Zarzycka B. Interpersonal forgiveness and meaning in life in older adults: The mediating and moderating roles of the religious meaning system. Religions. 2021;12(1):37. doi: 10.3390/rel12010037
[50] . Ku EK. Timelines: Visualizing time in narrative research. Res Methods Appl Linguist. 2025;4(2):100215. doi: 10.1016/j.rmal.2025.100215
[51] . Lahiri A, Padmakumari P. Beyond apologies: A systematic review of forgiveness in different relationship contexts. Curr Psychol. 2025;44(18):15351–68. doi: 10.1007/s12144-025-08246-4
[52] . Laufer A, Raz-Hamama Y, Levine SZ, Solomon Z. Posttraumatic growth in adolescence: The role of religiosity, distress, and forgiveness. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2009;28(7):862–80. doi: 10.1521/jscp.2009.28.7.862
[53] . Lazarus RS, Folkman S. Stress, appraisal, and coping. New York: Springer Publishing Company; 1984.
[54] . Lee YR, Enright RD. Fathers’ forgiveness as a moderator between perceived unfair treatment by a family of origin member and anger with own children. Fam J. 2009;17(1):22–31. doi: 10.1177/1066480708328474
[55] . López J, Serrano MI, Giménez I, Noriega C. Forgiveness Interventions for Older Adults: A review. J Clin Med. 2021;10(9):1866. doi: 10.3390/jcm10091866
[56] . Mancini G, Biolcati R, Joseph D, Trombini E, Andrei F. Editorial: Emotional intelligence: Current research and future perspectives on mental health and individual differences. Front Psychol. 2022;13. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1049431
[57] . Marcelino EP. Psychology of the Filipino. J Hum Behav Soc Environ. 2008.
[58] . McCullough ME. Forgiveness as human strength: Theory, measurement, and links to well-being. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2000;19(1):43–55. doi: 10.1521/jscp.2000.19.1.43
[59] . Minuchin S. Families and Family Therapy. Cambridge: Harvard University Press; 1974. doi: 10.2307/j.ctvjz83h8
[60] . Miyagawa Y, Taniguchi J. Self-compassion helps people forgive transgressors: Cognitive pathways of interpersonal transgressions. Self Identity. 2022;21(2):244–56. doi: 10.1080/15298868.2020.1862904
[61] . National University. What is a qualitative narrative inquiry design? [Internet]. [n.d.]. Available from: https://resources.nu.edu/c.php?g=1013605&p=8398152
[62] . Naeem M, Ozuem W, Howell K, Ranfagni S. A Step-by-Step process of thematic analysis to develop a conceptual model in qualitative research. Int J Qual Methods. 2023;22. doi: 10.1177/16094069231205789
[63] . Nichols MP, Schwartz RC. Family therapy: Concepts and methods. 4th ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon; 1998.
[64] . Norman KL. Forgiveness: How it manifests in our health, well-being, and longevity [capstone project]. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania; 2017.
[65] . Océane A, Nathalie B, Christine-Vanessa C. Spirituality, forgiveness and self-esteem throughout adulthood in France. Arch Gerontol Geriatr Plus. 2024;1(4):100098. doi: 10.1016/j.aggp.2024.100098
[66] . Ollerenshaw JA, Creswell JW. Narrative Research: A comparison of two restorying data analysis approaches. Qual Inq. 2002;8(3):329–47. doi: 10.1177/10778004008003008
[67] . Pennington G. Storytelling in the second language classroom. TESOL Context. 2009;19(1):5–22.
[68] . Pfeiffer S, In-Albon T. Family systems. In: Asmundson GJG, editor. Comprehensive Clinical Psychology. 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 2021. p. 185–201. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818697-8.00080-7
[69] . Pinnegar S, Daynes JG. Locating narrative inquiry historically: Thematics in the turn to narrative. In: Clandinin DJ, editor. Handbook of narrative inquiry: Mapping a methodology. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, Inc; 2007. p. 3–34.
[70] . Psychologytools. Unforgiveness [Internet]. [n.d.]. Available from: https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/unforgiveness
[71] . Rapp H, Xu JW, Enright RD. A meta?analysis of forgiveness education interventions’ effects on forgiveness and anger in children and adolescents. Child Dev. 2022;93(5):1249–69. doi: 10.1111/cdev.13771
[72] . Rappaport MB, Corbally CJ. An evolutionary model of early theology when moral and religious capacities converge. J Cogn Cult. 2024;24(3-4):285–308.
[73] . Reed G, Enright RD. Spirituality, forgiveness, and emotional well-being in older adults. J Spiritual Ment Health. 2020;22(4):270–88. doi: 10.1080/19349637.2020.1758726
[74] . Rozario SY, Lazarus MD, Sarkar M, Farlie MK. Narrative inquiry for beginners: A practical guide for health professions education researchers. Anat Sci Educ. 2025;19(2):242–53. doi: 10.1002/ase.70105
[75] . Rui Y, Jin H. Narrative inquiry in language teaching and learning research. Asia Pac J Educ. 2025:1–3. doi: 10.1080/02188791.2025.2473283
[76] . Rungduin DC, Rungduin TT, Acopio JRB. Role of shared identity (KAPWA) in forgiving others: A collectivistic approach in understanding forgiveness. Pak J Psychol Res. 2020;35(4):617–36. doi: 10.33824/pjpr.2020.35.4.33
[77] . Rusmahadewi A, Fadhlurrahman Z, Fathiyah KN. Forgiveness experiences in early adult women with divorced parents. Indigenous J Ilm Psikol. 2024;9(2):136–49. doi: 10.23917/indigenous.v9i2.5561
[78] . Russell L. The who, the what, and the how of forgiveness. Philos Compass. 2020;15(3). doi: 10.1111/phc3.12656
[79] . Rowden TJ, Davis SD. Forgiveness in families. Brigham Young University Forever Families; [n.d.]. Available from: https://foreverfamilies.byu.edu/forgiveness-in-families
[80] . Rye MS, Pargament KI, Ali MA, Beck GL, Dorff EN, et al. Religious perspectives on forgiveness. In: McCullough ME, Pargament KI, Thoresen CE, editors. Forgiveness: Theory, research, and practice. New York: Guilford Press; 2000. p. 17–40.
[81] . Saad M, De Medeiros R, Mosini A. Are we ready for a true biopsychosocial–spiritual model? The many meanings of “Spiritual.” Medicines. 2017;4(4):79. doi: 10.3390/medicines4040079
[82] . Sandage SJ, Jankowski PJ. Forgiveness, spiritual instability, mental health symptoms, and well-being: Mediator effects of differentiation of self. Psychol Relig Spiritual. 2010;2(3):168–80. doi: 10.1037/a0019124
[83] . Seawell AH, Toussaint LL, Cheadle AC. Prospective associations between unforgiveness and physical health and positive mediating mechanisms in a nationally representative sample of older adults. Psychol Health. 2014;29(4):375–89. doi: 10.1080/08870446.2013.856434
[84] . Sells JN, Hargrave TD. Forgiveness: a review of the theoretical and empirical literature. J Fam Ther. 1998;20(1):21–36. doi: 10.1111/1467-6427.00066
[85] . Silva CPR, Barbero-Iglesias FJ, Polo-Ferrero L, Recio-Rodríguez JI. The relationship between willingness to forgive and health-related quality of life in older adults in Portugal and Spain. Geriatrics. 2025;10(4):90. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics10040090
[86] . Skalski-Bednarz SB, Toussaint LL, Konaszewski K, Surzykiewicz J. Episodic forgiveness in young American adults and its pathways to distress by health, outlook, spirituality, aggression, and social support. Health Psychol Rep. 2024;13(3):236–49. doi: 10.5114/hpr/185739
[87] . Spytska L. The impact of harmonious parent-child relationships on the development of psychological well-being and personality resilience: a qualitative study in healthcare professionals. Interacciones Rev Av Psicología. 2024;10:e427. doi: 10.24016/2024.v10.427
[88] . Strelan P. The stress-and-coping model of forgiveness: Theory, research, and the potential of dyadic coping. In: Worthington EL Jr, Wade NG, editors. Handbook of forgiveness. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge; 2020. p. 63–73. doi: 10.4324/9781351123341-7
[89] . Sulmasy DP. A Biopsychosocial-Spiritual model for the care of patients at the end of life. Gerontologist. 2002;42(Suppl_3):24–33. doi: 10.1093/geront/42.suppl_3.24
[90] . Tiwari GK, Singh A, Choudhary A, Shukla A, Macorya AK, et al. Forgiveness in later life: Attributes and consequences for older adults in Indian families. Marriage Fam Rev. 2025;61(7):710–36. doi: 10.1080/01494929.2025.2484381
[91] . Toussaint L, Cheadle A, Dezutter J, Williams DR. Late adulthood, COVID-19-related stress perceptions, meaning in life, and forgiveness as predictors of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol. 2021;12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.731017
[92] . Toussaint L, Webb JR. Gender differences in the relationship between empathy and forgiveness. J Soc Psychol. 2005;145(6):673–85. doi: 10.3200/socp.145.6.673-686
[93] . Toussaint L, Worthington E, Williams DR. Forgiveness and health. New York: Springer; 2015. doi: 10.1007/978-94-017-9993-5
[94] . Tschoe M, Murawski A, Miller A, Relerford R, Ramirez-Zohfeld V, et al. Aging-in-place versus long-term care conflicts experienced by older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2024;72(9):2871–3. doi: 10.1111/jgs.19012
[95] . Villanueva G. Trend sees PH becoming an ‘aging population’ by 2030. Philippine Daily Inquirer. 2025 Oct 10. Available from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2122510/trend-sees-ph-becoming-an-aging-population-by-2030
[96] . Wade NG, Worthington EL Jr. Overcoming interpersonal offenses: Is forgiveness the only way to deal with unforgiveness? J Couns Dev. 2003;81(3):343–53. doi: 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2003.tb00261.x
[97] . Walker W. Reflection: The three dimensions of forgiveness and the problem of self-forgiveness [Internet]. Maryland: St. Paul’s Anglican Church Crownsville; 2024 Apr 19. Available from: https://www.stpaulscrownsville.com/news-bedford/reflection-the-three-dimensions-of-forgiveness-and-the-problem-of-self-forgiveness
[98] . Wilson DM, Bykowski KA, Banamwana G, Bryenton FM, Dou Q, et al. Intra-Family End-Of-Life Conflict: Findings of a research investigation to identify its incidence, cause, and impact. OMEGA - J Death Dying. 2022. doi: 10.1177/00302228221133504
[99] . World Health Organization. The decade of healthy ageing: A new UN-wide initiative [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/14-12-2020-decade-of-healthy-ageing-a-new-un-wide-initiative
[100] . World Health Organization. UN international day of older persons [Internet]. 2021. Available from: https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/30-09-2021-un-international-day-of-older-persons
[101] . World Health Organization. Ageing and health [Internet]. 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
[102] . Worthington EL. Five steps to forgiveness: The art and science of forgiving. New York: Crown; 2001.
[103] . Worthington EL Jr. An update of the REACH forgiveness model to promote forgiveness. In: Worthington EL Jr, Wade NG, editors. Handbook of forgiveness. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge; 2020. p. 277–87. doi: 10.4324/9781351123341-26
[104] . Worthington EL Jr. Forgiveness. In: Peteet JR, editor. The virtues in psychiatric practice. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2022. p. 22.
[105] . Worthington EL Jr, Berry JW, Parrott L III. Unforgiveness, forgiveness, religion, and health. In: Plante TG, Sherman AC, editors. Faith and health: Psychological perspectives. New York: The Guilford Press; 2001. p. 107–38.
[106] . Worthington EL, Sandage SJ. Prayer and forgiveness in late adulthood: Emotional and relational outcomes. J Adult Dev. 2022;29(2):85–99. doi: 10.1007/s10804-022-09365-8
[107] . Worthington EL, Scherer M. Forgiveness is an emotion-focused coping strategy that can reduce health risks and promote health resilience: theory, review, and hypotheses. Psychol Health. 2004;19(3):385–405. doi: 10.1080/0887044042000196674
[108] . Worthington EL Jr, Wade NG, editors. Handbook of forgiveness. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group; 2020.
[109] . Yacat J. Filipino psychology (Sikolohiyang Pilipino). [n.d.].
[110] . Zichnali O, Moraitou D, Pezirkianidis C, Stalikas A. Examining the Effectiveness of Two Types of Forgiveness Intervention to Enhance Well-Being in Adults from Young to Older Adulthood. OBM Geriatr. 2019;3(2):1–25. doi: 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1902044

ABSTRACT:
This study analyzes the processes involved when a Filipino family member decides to forgive a relative, a journey that begins with physical and psychological pain and culminates in ginhawa—a transformation bringing psycho-emotional and spiritual relief. Using a narrative inquiry approach grounded in Clandinin’s framework, the study explores the lived experiences of eleven cognitively and emotionally healthy older adults whose personal stories illuminate how forgiveness is understood and enacted across the lifespan. The analysis integrates verbal narratives and visual metaphors to provide a nuanced interpretation of meaning-making, complemented by an original artwork created by the researcher that serves as a visual synthesis of the findings. This representation reveals that forgiveness unfolds through six interrelated phases: the experience of pain or injury, the weight of emotional burden, a period of reflection, spiritual and cognitive reframing, the conscious decision to forgive, and relational repair leading to peace and the reconstruction of personal narratives. Findings indicate that forgiveness is a gradual, deeply personal journey shaped by family relationships, cultural values, and social support; furthermore, while participants moved toward acceptance, they acknowledged that unresolved tensions may resurface, highlighting the cyclical dimension of the process. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of Filipino family dynamics and offer implications for culturally responsive interventions that promote reconciliation and support the well-being of older adults.

IJSSER is Member of