title: Homicide Survivors' Definitions of Forgiveness: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Extrapersonal Orientations.
abstract: This article explores the definition of forgiveness from the perspective of individuals who have lost loved ones to homicide. This article draws on 33 in-depth, semistructured interviews that asked participants to define and discuss forgiveness and non-forgiveness both in general and as it relates to homicide. Analysis shows three distinct definitions of, or orientations toward, forgiveness, each learned through interaction with family and/or religion: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal. Analyses suggest that future investigations must include multiple definitions of forgiveness, and victim services must be cognizant of these various pathways toward forgiveness.
authors.affiliation: State University of New York at Albany.
authors.forename: Kristen L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Hourigan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D061347:Forgiveness; D006708:Homicide / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010551:Personality; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult