Role of personality characteristics and family of origin in anticipation of forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the newest issues in the realm of positive psychology and family studies that has come into the limelight of counselors and psychologists due to its effect on the well-being and mental health of individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between forgiveness, personality characteristics, and family of origin features. The present study was a descriptive correlational research. 124 Iranian university students (56 males and 68 females) were selected using single-stage random cluster sampling method. They were asked to complete the research tools. To collect data, three questionnaires were employed, including Forgiveness scale, the Big Five Inventory (BFI) of personality, and Family of Origin Scale (FOS). The obtained data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. The obtained results suggested that the factors including extroversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and the family of origin have significant positive relationships with forgiveness. Neuroticism also showed a negative relationship with forgiveness. Neuroticism and extroversion could explain 20% of the variance of forgiveness in two steps. In conclusion, personality characteristics and family of origin can explain variances of forgiveness; hence, the obtained results are deserved to be considered in the implementation of preventive and therapeutic programs.