Psychometric Properties of Divine Forgiveness Measures and Relationships with Mental Health Among Mental Health Clinicians in the United States

We evaluated the psychometric fitness of divine forgiveness measures alongside measures of depression, anxiety, and well-being among mental health (MH) clinicians and trainees enrolled in accredited MH United States programs (N = 226). We hypothesized that forgiveness measures would meet psychometric standards and show positive associations with well-being and religiosity, and negative associations with depression and anxiety. Using a secondary data analysis, participants’ responses to the Fincham and May’s Divine Forgiveness Scale (DF), the Fetzer Divine Forgiveness Scale (FDF), and measures of religiosity, flourishing, depression, and anxiety were analyzed with reliability testing, correlations, t-tests, chi-squares, and linear and curvilinear regressions. The DF demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.96) and both FDF and DF showed strong positive correlations with religious involvement, and salience of religious beliefs (r = 0.49–0.62, p < 0.001). Religious affiliation predicted higher forgiveness scores (DF; d = 2.85; FDF: d = 0.99, p < 0.001). Additionally, higher levels of religious importance and belief in God were significantly associated with higher DF and FDF scores (p < 0.001). Regression analyses showed a positive linear association between flourishing and measures of divine forgiveness (FDF; β = 0.22, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.11, 4.20]; DF scores (β = 0.22, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.172, 4.387]), but neither scale related significantly to depression or anxiety. Curvilinear analysis revealed a quadratic relationship for FDF (β = 1.27, p = 0.004, 95% CI [0.96, 5.002]) and lower levels of depression (β = −0.98, p = 0.03, 95% CI [−0.37, −0.02]) and anxiety (β = −1.15, p = 0.01, 95% CI [−0.52, −0.07]). However, no curvilinear effects were observed for the DF scale. Findings support the reliability and validity of both measures and suggest divine forgiveness may serve as a protective factor for clinician well-being.