Meaning-Making Predicts Forgiveness as an Indicator of Posttraumatic Growth with a Stronger Effect for Natural Disasters

Abstract

Trauma is a growing public health concern as global crises increase. Trauma can result in significant adverse psychological outcomes such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Past research indicates that forgiveness may buffer the adverse psychological effects of trauma. We hypothesized that restoring individual and collective sense of meaning promotes forgiveness toward self and others and enables posttraumatic growth (PTG). Established PTG models posit that meaning can be found in surviving a traumatic event. We propose that PTG manifests as forgiveness in the face of both natural and humanmade disasters. Data were collected from individuals (N = 3,534) in 11 countries from diverse global regions that have experienced collective traumas. Our study examined the predictive nature of meaning in life and PTSD symptoms on forgiveness. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that trauma and meaning significantly predicted forgiveness, with a larger effect for humanmade disasters. Results indicated that presence of meaning, but not search for meaning, plays a role in PTG as measured by the ability to forgive after experiencing trauma, thus demonstrating its possible centrality to the healing process. Interventions and community-based programs that foster meaning-making following trauma may be part of an effective multicultural approach for enhancing community-wide PTG and resilience following disasters.