The Role of Core and Compensatory Schemas in Predicting Forgiveness of Self and Others

Abstract

This study aimed to predict self and other forgiveness based on core and compensatory schemas among students of Tehran universities. Four hundred and seven students from Tehran universities were recruited through Multi-stage cluster sampling. The Schema Questionnaire- short version and Forgiveness Scale were utilized. The data were then analyzed using Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. The results showed a significant positive relationship between the core and compensatory schemas and the non-forgiveness of self and others. The results also showed that core schemas could significantly predict the non-forgiveness of self and others. Therefore, it could be concluded that not forgiving self and others can be rooted in early experiences that have developed early maladaptive schemas. Finally, the role of core schemas in shaping an individual's inability to forgive was discussed from a clinical and research point of view.

Keywords

• compensatory schema
• core schema
• forgiveness of others and self
• schema