The Role of Forgiveness in Refugee Well-Being: A Systematic Review

Abstract

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Refugees often struggle with a range of emotions, including grief and anger at the losses and hardships they have suffered, as well as unmet expectations of resettlement in the host country. Feelings of injustice, shame, and a sense of irreversibility add to their challenges. Despite these complexities, traditional refugee treatment models focus primarily on symptom management, with limited inclusion of forgiveness as a central aspect of the recovery process. However, numerous studies suggest a relationship between refugee symptoms and the inability to forgive or lingering unforgiveness. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of forgiveness and the diverse experiences of refugees, we conducted a systematic review to explore the potential role of forgiveness in refugee well-being. Our findings shed light on the significant implications and effects of forgiveness within refugee populations. We argue that mental health practitioners should integrate forgiveness into treatment approaches to enhance refugee well-being and mitigate future challenges.