KERNBERGIAN PSYCHODYNAMICS AND RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF THE FORGIVENESS PROCESS

The concept of forgiveness is defined and placed in an object relation s framework of Otto Kernberg and of John Gartner. The latter presents an interpretation involving the overcoming of splitting which is a kin d of proto-forgiveness applicable for treating borderline patients. Gi ven this context, a model of five stages in the forgiveness process is outlined. These stages are adapted from Linn and Linn (1978) and from Kernberg (1992). It is proposed that the crucial last stage requires more than self-acceptance. Specifically, recovery from genuine harm do ne to others or the self (real guilt) requires repentance and forgiven ess, neither of which can be supplied by psychotherapy. Positive clini cal signs of genuine forgiveness are briefly described, as are ways in which forgiveness is often put in the service of pathology, such as f alse forgiveness. Clinical procedures to facilitate forgiveness are no ted.