Date of Publication

4-2025

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology

Subject Categories

Clinical Psychology

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Psychology

Thesis Advisor

Ron R. Resurreccion

Defense Panel Member




Abstract/Summary

Elderly Filipinos face aging-related challenges that put them at risk of mental illnesses such as depression (The Department of Health, 2012 as cited in Carandang et al., 2019b), anxiety, and PTSD (Knight & Sayegh, 2011). The current research suggests that self-forgiveness can protect this demographic from mental illness. It argued that self-forgiveness can help Filipino seniors adopt a more realistic and compassionate stance towards themselves at life’s end. It allows them to focus on what the good they had done while accepting what they had done wrong and encouraging them to strive to become better people in old age. All of this encourages a more positive attitude towards aging as a whole. To provide evidence for this, the current research examined the kinds of situations in which Filipino seniors practice self-forgiveness, the process they underwent to achieve self-forgiveness, and their perceived effects of self-forgiveness on their mental health. A qualitative research design was employed. Data was gathered from 11 community-dwelling seniors aged 60 to 75, residing within Metro Manila, and who garnered high scores in the Dual-Process Self-Forgiveness scale (Griffin et al., 2018). A qualitative thematic analysis was used to interpret data and to arrive at themes. A total of 11 themes were created: When causing tension within the family,” “After inflicting harm on oneself and others,” “While taking ownership of actions and restoring values” (situations); “Developing a balanced view of negative and positive life events,” “Practicing healthy coping mechanisms,” “Strengthening ties with family and community” (processes); “Commitment to living a life of purpose and intention,” Increased awareness of weaknesses and use of one’s strengths,” and “Inner peace and social harmony” (perceived effects). The current study also discusses self-forgiveness through the lens of collectivist values and concludes with suggestions for further research as well as recommendations for psychologists in clinical settings.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Mental health--Philippines; Forgiveness—Psychological aspects; Older people—Psychology

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Embargo Period

4-16-2027

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Available for download on Friday, April 16, 2027

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