The Relationship of Forgiveness and Tolerance with Depression in Women

Abstract

Depression is more prevalent in women than in men. This situation cannot be explained with only biological differences, and more research is needed in this regard by emphasizing the status of women in society. In this descriptive and relational screening type study, the relationship of forgiveness and tolerance with depression in women was examined. The study was carried out online in June 2020 with the participation of 414 women. The data were collected through Identifying Information Form, Forgiveness Scale, Tolerance Scale, and DAS-21 Depression Subscale. In the study, it was determined that forgiveness scores of the participants who were 45 years old and above, whose duration of marriage was 12 years and above, who were employed, and whose economic status was moderate were high; tolerance scores of those who had postgraduate education level, who were single, whose economic status was good, and whose intra-family communication was at a moderate level were found to be high; and depression scores of those who were between 18-26 years old, who were high school graduates, who were single, whose economic status was poor, who had extended families, whose intra-family communication was poor, and who experienced a crisis were determined to be high (p<.05). While a weak and negative relationship between forgiveness and depression, and a weak and positive relationship between forgiveness and tolerance were found, no significant relationship between tolerance and depression was determined (p<.001). As a result of the study findings, it can be stated that forgiveness could be helpful for women to be relieved from the negative load that leads to depressive emotions.