A Scenario-Based Scale of Willingness to Forgive

Abstract

This paper describes the development and validation of the Willingness to Forgive (WTF) scale. Scenarios describing a variety of transgressions and kinds of relationships were presented to participants in an attempt to allow them to imagine themselves in multiple situations for possible forgiving of another person. Maximum likelihood factor analysis and item response analysis were used to develop a 12-scenario scale with high internal consistency and strength of discrimination among participants. Some construct validity evidence is presented, as well as the scale's relationship with measures of narcissism, gratitude, self-esteem, and the five-factor model of personality.