The Influence of Forgiveness on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Individuals' Shame and Self-Esteem

This survey research examined relationships among self-esteem, shame proneness, and forgiveness of self, situations, and others in a sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals (N = 657). Findings indicate that LGBTQ self-esteem was largely predicted by higher self-forgiveness and lower shame proneness. Forgiveness of self, others, and situations each partially mediated the relationship between shame proneness and self-esteem. Implications for counseling include the importance of forgiveness as a psychological mechanism to reduce LGBTQ shame and enhance self-esteem.