When Forgiveness Is Not Genuine: A Current Review of Pseudo-Forgiveness

Agata Kasprzak; Karla Gallo-Giunzioni; Elvira Santiago Serrano

doi:10.18290/rpsych2025.0004

Published : 2025-09-23

No. Online First

When Forgiveness Is Not Genuine: A Current Review of Pseudo-Forgiveness

Agata Kasprzak

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1562-3094

Karla Gallo-Giunzioni

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5197-2358

Elvira Santiago Serrano

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9038-8282

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rpsych2025.0004

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore the current state of knowledge about pseudo-forgiveness, a complex psychological phenomenon that is clearly distinct from genuine forgiveness. Pseudo-forgiveness is characterized by an attempt to resolve conflicts related to managing an offense without authentic emotional processing, making it an internal and/or relational mechanism where the harm is not genuinely addressed. This phenomenon can manifest through strategies such as justifications, excuses, or minimization of the offense, which shield the offender from negative emotional consequences while perpetuating discomfort in the victim. These dynamics, although providing temporary relief, are detrimental in the long term to interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being. This work constitutes a narrative review and presents an analysis of the psychological variables related to this false form of forgiveness. The clinical relevance of addressing pseudo-forgiveness in therapy is highlighted, emphasizing the need to promote genuine forgiveness processes that foster empathy, acknowledgment of harm, and emotional transformation. It concludes that understanding pseudo-forgiveness can enrich both research and therapeutic interventions aimed at healing damaged relationships.

Keywords:

Pseudo-forgiveness, forgiveness, practical implications, psychology of forgiveness

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