The growing field of positive psychology is encouraging advances in the scientific research of developmental strengths and virtues like forgiveness. However, multicultural and indigenous psychology perspectives can raise valuable questions about positive psychology and the relationship between cultural particularity and virtues like forgiveness. In this article, the authors consider the meaning of virtue in psychology and then focus on the culturally embedded nature of forgiveness as a virtue. They illustrate the value of an indigenous psychology approach by describing some of the dynamics related to conflict resolution and forgiveness in traditional Hmong culture. They then consider ways forgiveness research and intervention might need to be contextualized with Hmong Americans.
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