Perceptions of Forgiveness in Response to Systemic Injustice Among Iranian Refugees

A large literature shows that interpersonal forgiveness provides many positive mental and physical health benefits. However, there is little research about the role of forgiveness in the context of systemic injustice. This study is a preliminary exploration of how individuals with refugee backgrounds perceived forgiveness as it related to their experiences of systemic injustice and the extent to which forgiveness may be associated with well-being. Seven interviews were conducted with Iranian refugees. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study indicate that forgiveness is an important concept for people with refugee backgrounds and that it can have a positive impact on their well-being. However, this differed between interpersonal and systemic transgressions.