Forgiveness and resilience as individual resources: an analysis of constructs and their significance in health pedagogy

Karol Konaszewski, Sebastian Binyamin Skalski-Bednarz

Abstract


Introduction: The contemporary approach to health increasingly emphasizes the importance not only of biological and environmental factors, but also of an individual's psychological resources. In this context, concepts such as forgiveness and resilience are becoming particularly important, as they are increasingly considered to be essential resources for individuals in the areas of health and education.

Research Aim: The aim of this article is to present how the concepts of forgiveness and resilience are operationalized as resources that support individuals in maintaining their health, quality of life, and well-being. Secondly, in the further part of the paper, we will present the implications and possibilities of using these constructs in the development of educational and therapeutic programs.

Evidence-based Facts: Analysis of the constructs of forgiveness and resilience allows them to be considered key resources in health education. Both support positive adaptation processes, reduce the negative effects of stress, and enable an individual's psychosocial development, even in the face of serious adversity. At the same time, it should be emphasized that despite the growing number of studies, empirical knowledge about the mechanisms of development and determinants of forgiveness and resilience in the context of health education remains limited.

Summary: The constructs analyzed may become one of the areas subject to analysis in health education, not only because of their role in intervention and educational activities, but also because of their established position in empirical research.


Keywords


forgiveness, resilience, resources, health pedagogy

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17951/lrp.2026.45.1.7-23
Date of publication: 2026-03-16 10:05:03
Date of submission: 2025-08-25 09:22:59


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