Forgiveness as an intrapsychic process

This article reviews the literature on forgiveness, considers it as a healt h inducing process, and offers an intrapsychic conceptualization of forgive ness. An object relations model founded on Gartner"s (1988) schema explains forgiveness is not always a defense but, alternately, a lengthy process of self and object representations and complementary defenses undergoing a se ries of remodifications to develop optimal resolution. Simultaneously, othe r psychic agencies are disrupted by altering internal images and defenses b roadening the scope of resulting disequilibrium, Gradual, congruent, parall el revision of major psychic systems then is necessary for real absolution. A case example is provided to illustrate the expanded object relations mod el The examination concludes that further study is warranted, and avenues o f research are proffered.