"I realized I had a choice": the forgiveness journey of people living with HIV.

Abstract

Forgiveness, a process of relinquishment of resentment, hostility, and anger toward an offender or self, is understudied among people living with HIV. This study examined the experience and process of forgiving the person who allegedly transmitted HIV, among people living with HIV. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 people living with HIV aged 25 or older, diagnosed at least three years before the study. Three main themes emerged: "Anger is a poison": between forgiveness and unforgiveness; "I gave up the drive to suffer": the meaning of forgiveness; and "Forgiving is like building a building": phases of the forgiveness process between forgiveness and unforgiveness. This study revealed cognitive and emotional processes and phases of forgiveness. Forgiveness-focused interventions for people living with HIV are suggested.