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

Abstract Background: Forgiveness is one of the newest issues in the realm of positive psychology and family studies that has come to the lime light of counselors and psychologists due to its impact 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. Material & Methods: The present study employed correlation method. The study population comprised all the students(2500) studying at Ardebil University of Medical Sciences in the academic year of 2014-2015, out of which 124 students (56 males and 68 females) were selected using random cluster sampling method and completed the research tools. To collect data, three questionnaires were used, including Forgiveness Inventory, the Big Five Personality Index (BFI) and Family of Origin Scale (FOS). The obtained data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The study results suggested that the of factors extroversion, acceptance, consistency, loyalty and the family of origin have significant positive relationship with forgiveness. Neuroticism also showed a negative relationship with forgiveness. Neuroticism and extroversion could explain 20% of the variance of forgiveness in two steps. Conclusions: personality characteristics and family of origin can explain the changes of forgiveness hence, regarding the obtained results and their employment can be of crucial importance in the preventive and therapeutic programs.