The Role of Forgiveness for Aging and Advanced Illness: An Integrative Systematic Review.

In 30 seconds

This integrative systematic review synthesized qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research on forgiveness in adults receiving treatment for advanced illness and/or adults aged 65 years or older, in the context of death anxiety. Forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Framework-based synthesis identified shared attributes of forgiveness, reported physical and mental health benefits, and interventions relevant to aging and advanced illness. The review also found a lack of standardized assessments. The authors conclude that the findings can guide holistic nurses in considering forgiveness within care for people facing aging or advanced illness.

Key findings

• Forty-seven articles met the review’s inclusion criteria.
• Synthesis identified common attributes of forgiveness and reported physical and mental health benefits.
• Forgiveness interventions relevant to aging and advanced illness were identified, alongside a lack of standardized assessments.

Why it matters

The review brings together varied research on forgiveness in populations facing aging or advanced illness, linking the topic to both physical and mental health. Its identification of relevant interventions may inform holistic care discussions, while the lack of standardized assessments signals that findings and outcomes may be difficult to compare across studies.

What to keep in mind

The review reports a lack of standardized assessments, which limits consistency in evaluating forgiveness and related outcomes across the included research.