Work

Sociomoral caveats to children's selective forgiveness

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Forgiveness is fundamental to human sociality and cooperation. But to forgive others uncritically carries consequences for the self and for the moral functioning of the wider social group. In this article, we argue that practicing selective forgiveness is an important social strategy, and detail the sociomoral conditions under which forgiveness may be prescribed or proscribed. By synthesising the developmental literature, we further outline the age around which children learn of and use these particular conditions to caveat their forgiveness. Despite the benefits bestowed by interpersonal forgiveness, our review suggests preschool children already recognise its limits. Further research into the boundaries and scope of forgiveness during childhood and beyond promises to shed light on the nature, nuance, and ethics of forgiveness.

Source: Developmental Review

DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2026.101286

Authors: Owen Waddington, Bahar Köymen

Institutions: Edge Hill University, University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Forgiveness and Related Behaviors

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,330

Funders: Leverhulme Trust, British Academy