Studying Forgiveness Among Older Whites, Older Blacks, and Older Mexican Americans

The purpose of this study is to assess race and ethnic differences in forgiveness among older whites, older blacks, and older Mexican Americans. The data suggest that older whites are less likely than older blacks or older Mexican Americans to forgive themselves, to forgive others, and to believe they have been forgiven by God. In addition, older whites are less likely to expect that acts of contrition should be performed and they are less likely to initiate the process of reconciliation. In contrast, fewer differences are found among older blacks and older Mexican Americans.