Self-forgiveness and human flourishing: understanding the mediating role of self-esteem

ABSTRACT The study examined the mediating role of self-esteem between the relationship of self-forgiveness and human flourishing. Using a correlational design, 214 participants (M = 22.07 years) were chosen by convenience sampling method. The results revealed a significant interdependence between self-esteem, self-forgiveness, and human flourishing, as reflected in their positive correlations. Self-esteem and self-forgiveness accounted for a significant variability in human flourishing. Mediational analyses showed self-esteem to be a significant partial mediator between relationships of self-forgiveness and human flourishing. Self-esteem represents self-worth and personal values, which are essential ingredients in preparing people to forgive themselves, which in turn, may cultivate positive affects and cognitions that lead to flourishing. Self-esteem helps to understand transgressing situations and the precise role of different stakeholders, which may have facilitated self-forgiveness and ultimately flourishing. In essence, self-esteem and self-forgiveness are relevant to understanding human flourishing, and the impacts of self-forgiveness on flourishing are mediated by self-esteem.