Examining Relationship of Personality Traits, Altruism, and Justice with Forgiveness

Abstract

Background: Forgiveness is a vital psychological process linked to emotional well-being, yet its relationship with individual personality traits, altruism, and justice orientations remains insufficiently explored. Objective: This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of Big Five personality traits, altruism, and justice orientations (retributive and restorative) on forgiveness, while also assessing the impact of age and gender on forgiving tendencies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 368 educated participants (n = 368; 170 males, 198 females; aged 16–65 years) selected via convenience sampling in Islamabad. Inclusion criteria required literacy beyond matriculation and capacity to comprehend the questionnaires. Data were collected using validated tools: the Big Five Inventory, Helping Attitude Scale, Justice Scale, and Forgivingness Questionnaire. All procedures adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki; informed consent was obtained. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlations and multiple regression, were performed using SPSS v27 to assess the predictive value of independent variables on forgiveness. Results: Age (β = .49, p < .001), altruism (β = .29, p < .001), conscientiousness (β = .20, p = .03), and openness (β = .12, p < .01) significantly predicted forgiveness. Neuroticism (β = -.20, p = .02) and retributive justice (β = -.10, p = .01) were negatively associated, while restorative justice had a modest positive effect (β = .08, p = .02). Women were more forgiving than men (β = .14, p = .05). The model accounted for 61% of the variance (R² = .61, F(10, 357) = 55.9, p < .001). Conclusion: Personality traits, altruism, and justice orientations significantly shape forgiveness. These findings suggest that fostering altruism, emotional regulation, and restorative justice attitudes may enhance mental health and conflict resolution in clinical and community settings.