The Relationship between Basic Hope and Depression: Forgiveness as a Mediator

Although hope and forgiveness have been both negatively correlated with depression, actual relationships between all three variables have never been investigated. The aim of the study was to examine a theoretical model in which forgiveness mediates the relationship between basic hope and depressive symptoms. The sample was composed of 77 psychotherapy outpatients. Polish adaptations of the Basic Hope Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Heartland Forgiveness Scale were used. Negative and positive aspects of dispositional forgiveness of self, others, and situations beyond anyone’s control were applied. Results indicated that the general level of forgiveness, as well as overcoming unforgiveness, fully mediated the relationship between basic hope and depression symptoms, while positive dimension of forgiveness partially mediated the links between the variables. The findings demonstrate that the tendency to forgive might be a mechanism via which basic hope reduces odds of depression.