A validation study of the Bolton Forgiveness Scale (BFS-15) in India
| Date | 30 April 2024 |
| Pages | 1163-1172 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2024-0029 |
| Published date | 30 April 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Palav Mehta,Mahimna Vyas,Nirja Shah |
A validation study of the Bolton
Forgiveness Scale (BFS-15) in India
Palav Mehta, Mahimna Vyas and Nirja Shah
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to validate the Bolton Forgiveness Scale (BFS) created by Amanze and
Carson(2019) for the Indian population.
Design/methodology/approach –The data forthe validation of the BFS was collected(Total N ¼813) in
two phases (Phase-I, N1 ¼613 and Phase-II, N2 ¼200) through online surveys. SPSS 26 and AMOS
were used to establish the psychometric properties of the scale through internal consistency and
confirmatoryfactor analysis.
Findings –The results indicated the validation of the BFS in the Indian context, with a high internal
consistency (a¼0.847).Confirmatory factor analysis validatedthe factor structure and items, along with
face validity.
Research limitations/implications –This study offers comprehensivesuggestions on the approaches
to forgiveness, addresses biases, advocates for qualitative exploration and emphasizes rigour for the
futureresearch on forgiveness.
Originality/value –The present study validates the BFS for future use for the Indian population. The
authors offer comprehensivesuggestions on the approaches to forgiveness, address biases, advocate
for qualitativeexploration and emphasizerigour for future research on forgiveness.
Keywords Forgiveness, Validation, India, BFS-15, Confirmatory factor analysis
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
1.1 What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a prominent concept beingfeatured ubiquitously in a wide range of religious
and literary discourses. According to Sandage et al. (2003), forgiveness is seen as an
essential quality of character thatis based on a certain cultural reality that in turn affects and
influences social connections and interactions. Considering this, research on forgiveness
formulation should consider thesediverse cultural manifestations. Given the increasing civic
turmoil on the contemporary global stage, the study of forgiveness is mandated now more
than ever to provide practical policy-related insights to the global populace.
As contemporary research delvesinto the intricacies of forgiveness, its definition undergoes
variation based on the specific facets under consideration. According to Amanze and
Carson (2019), forgiving is a process that involves bolstering and developing the ability to
offer the person who has done the wrong an opportunity to prove their innocence. This
helps the victim of the offence to accept and let go of the hurt and its consequences.
Numerous studies in the past have documented cultural similarities in the understanding of
forgiveness. For instance, Owen (2008) posits that emotional reactions such as empathy
and sympathy for the offender, as well as behavioural reactions such as lowering negative
reactions to the offender, are similar across cultures. At the same time, literature has also
drawn attention to cross-cultural variabilities. Kadiangandu et al. (2007) suggested that the
perception of forgiveness differs between collectivistic and individualistic cultures. In
Palav Mehta is based at the
Amity Institute of
Behavioural and Allied
Sciences, Amity University
Mumbai, Panvel, India.
Mahimna Vyas is a PhD
Scholar at the Department
of Psychology, University of
Bolton, Bolton, UK and a
Research Assistant at the
VIA Institute on Character,
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
Nirja Shah is based at the
Amity Institute of
Behavioural and Allied
Sciences, Amity University
Mumbai, Panvel, India.
DOI 10.1108/MHSI-02-2024-0029 VOL. 28 NO. 6 2024, pp. 1163-1172, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jPAGE 1163
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