ABSTRACT
The present chapter reports empirical studies on forgiveness and reconciliation that were conducted either in the Arab world and its margins (Iran and Turkey) or in Central Africa. It comprises five sections: (1) Interpersonal forgiveness (including interpersonal seeking of forgiveness and self-forgiveness), (2) conceptualization of forgiveness and motives to forgive, (3) intergroup forgiveness (including intergroup seeking of forgiveness), (4) reconciliation, and (5) political pardon and amnesties. Overall, forgivingness, dispositional seeking of forgiveness, and self-forgiveness appeared to be structured in similar ways among non-Arab Middle-Eastern Muslims, Africans, and Westerners. Africans appeared, more than Middle-Easterners or Westerners, disposed to unconditionally forgive or seek for forgiveness, and Middle-Easterners and Westerners appeared, more than Africans, prone to lasting resentment. Among Arab Muslims, forgivingness seemed to be structured in a specific way: Apologies form a separate factor alongside sensitivity to circumstances and unconditional forgiveness. Forgiveness and reconciliation were generally associated with improvement in mental health among survivors of violent episodes. Africans have clear views regarding intergroup forgiveness; they considered it as a necessary tool for solving conflicts. Finally, most Africans agreed with the rationale behind political pardon, believing that pardon is, during political transitions, necessary for the greater good of society.
