Author: Feng Zhao
Zhao, Feng, 2025 Self-Forgiveness in China: Philosophical Insights, Empirical Studies, and Psychological Interventions, Flinders University, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
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Self-forgiveness plays an important role in both personal healing and the repair of social relationships. However, as a culturally embedded psychological process, self-forgiveness has not been adequately studied within specific cultural contexts, nor has there been thorough examination of how cultural factors shape this process. To address this gap and deepen our understanding of how culture influences self-forgiveness, this thesis explored self-forgiveness within Chinese culture, aiming to advance the understanding of this construct.
The current thesis consists of six chapters, each with a distinct focus. Chapter 1 introduces the overall research program. Specifically, it outlines the theoretical framework underpinning the thesis, identifies the different facets of self-forgiveness (self-punitiveness, pseudo self-forgiveness, and genuine self-forgiveness), conceptualizes self-forgiveness as a culturally shaped process, and discusses the rationale for exploring self-forgiveness within the Chinese cultural context. In doing so, it lays the foundation for the subsequent empirical studies.
Chapter 2 aimed to measure self-forgiveness within the Chinese cultural context. Based on the conceptualization adopted in this research, the Differentiated Process Scale of Self-Forgiveness was selected as the primary measurement tool and was translated and revised to enhance its reliability and validity for use with Chinese participants. This work provided a foundation for the empirical studies presented in the following chapters.
Chapter 3 aimed to explore how cultural factors shape self-forgiveness. Two studies were conducted to examine the roles of different Chinese philosophies—Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism—in self-forgiveness processes. The findings revealed that Confucianism was positively associated with self-punitiveness while also fostering genuine self-forgiveness; Buddhism appeared to increase self-punitiveness, whereas Taoism facilitated its release. These results highlight the richness and complexity of cultural influences on self-forgiveness.
Chapter 4 aimed to further investigate how Chinese culture shapes individuals’ conceptualizations and experiences of self-forgiveness through a qualitative study. Using thematic analysis, four overarching themes were identified that characterize self-forgiveness in the Chinese context: be strict with oneself, be benevolent to oneself, be responsible to oneself, and be harmonious with others. These findings offer a nuanced understanding of how Chinese individuals grapple with self-forgiveness within their cultural framework.
Building on these insights, Chapter 5 developed an evidence-based self-help workbook tailored for Chinese individuals to cultivate self-forgiveness and enhance their well-being. Preliminary findings suggested that the workbook effectively promoted self-forgiveness and also had positive effects on related psychological outcomes, including increased self-compassion, personal growth, and mental well-being.
Finally, Chapter 6 summarized the key findings of the PhD research, discussed its theoretical and empirical contributions, outlined its limitations, and proposed directions for future research. Despite some limitations, this research addresses a critical gap by offering culturally grounded insights and practical tools to support self-forgiveness in the Chinese context, contributing to a deeper understanding of culturally embedded self-forgiveness processes.
Keywords: self-forgiveness, Chinese culture, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism
Subject: Cultural Studies thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2025
School: College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
Supervisor: Lydia Woodyatt