Forgiveness and Flourishing | Seminar

This module offers a reflective, evidence-informed exploration of the VIA character strength Forgiveness, with a focus on letting go of resentment while preserving personal boundaries and accountability. Situated within positive psychology and applied ethics, the seminar examines forgiveness as a conscious process of releasing anger, resentment, and vengefulness, and replacing these responses with compassion, empathy, and understanding—without excusing harm or erasing responsibility. The module supports participants in distinguishing forgiveness from forgetting, reconciliation, or condoning wrongdoing, and instead frames it as a strength that enables psychological healing, emotional regulation, and forward movement after interpersonal setbacks. Through conceptual explanation, affirmations, poetry, multiple-choice questions, reflective writing, behavioural planning, and structured discussion, participants are guided to examine how forgiveness operates within demanding university contexts marked by pressure, conflict, and relational strain. Particular attention is given to the underuse, optimal use, and overuse of forgiveness, highlighting how holding onto resentment can impair wellbeing, while unbounded forgiveness may undermine self-protection and accountability. Practical application is supported through a 60-minute seminar structure, daily reflective practices, and a WOOP-based action plan to help participants practise forgiveness intentionally and responsibly. Designed for higher education and developmental settings, this resource positions forgiveness as a psychologically grounded strength that supports flourishing, resilience, and relational integrity without moral coercion or harm minimisation. Learning Outcomes By the end of this module, participants will be able to: Define the VIA character strength of Forgiveness as a psychological capacity involving emotional release, compassion, and conscious choice Distinguish forgiveness from excusing harm, forgetting wrongdoing, or relinquishing boundaries and accountability Identify the mental, physical, relational, and wellbeing-related benefits associated with forgiveness Recognise patterns of underuse, optimal use, and overuse of forgiveness and their consequences for wellbeing and relationships Apply forgiveness intentionally through reflective practices and a WOOP-based action plan within a real academic or interpersonal context