Sample
Wohl et al. (2008) constructed the SSFS and examined its psychometric properties using 113 students at the
University of Oklahoma (Study 1) and to 60 undergraduates at Carleton University (Study 2). Means and stan-
dard deviations for the subscales were as follows: for the SFFA, M53.34 ( SD5.84); for the SFB, M54.08
(SD51.06).
Reliability
Internal Consistency
Cronbach alpha coefficients for the SFFA were reported as α5.74; for the SFB, α5.89 (Wohl et al., 2008 ).
Test/C0Retest
SSFS estimates of temporal stability have yet to be determined.
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
Participants who reported higher self-forgiveness on the final item also scored higher on the two subscales of
the SSFS /C0Self-Forgiveness Feelings and Actions and Self-Forgiveness Beliefs. Evidence for the convergent valid-
ity of the SSFS can also be seen in its correlations with depression (SFFA, r52.42; SSBA, r52.39) and self-
blame (SSFA, r52.38; SSB, r52.36).
Divergent/Discriminant
SSFS scores were not correlated with tendency to forgive as measured by Brown’s (2003) four-item Tendency
to Forgive Scale (SFFA, r5.03; SSBA, r5.14) . Neither subscale of the SSFS was correlated significantly with guilt
(SFFA, r52.08; SSBA, r52.05), state self-esteem (SFFA, r5.04; SSBA, r5.16), or life satisfaction (SFFA, r5.23;
SSBA, r5.20;Wohl et al., 2008 ).
Construct/Factor Analytic
Items scores were subjected to exploratory factor analysis using principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation.
Two correlated factors emerged. Following that, item response theory applied to each subscale separately
resulted in SFFA having an item reliability of .99 and SFB having an item reliability of .95.
Location
Wohl, M.J.A., DeShea, L., & Wahkinney, L. (2008). Looking within: Measuring state self-forgiveness and its
relationship to psychological well-being. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 40 ,1/C010.
Results and Comments
Wohl et al. (2008) tentatively suggested that the SSFS is a psychometrically sound measure of self-forgiveness
of a specific offence and that it has evidence supporting its estimated reliability and construct validity. The SSFS
subscales provide a closer look at two hypothesized processes of self-forgiveness, and each provides predictive
value to the achievement of self-forgiveness ( Wohl et al., 2008 ). However, the SSFS remains largely unstudied,
with only a handful of studies using it is a measure of self-forgiveness in a peer-reviewed journal (e.g., Exline,
Root, Yadavalli, Martin, & Fisher, 2011 ). The SSFS is available in English, and though the items are listed in Wohl
et al. (2008) , users must request permission to use it. The SFSS requires much more psychometric support before
it can be confidently used as a measure of state self-forgiveness. It is the best measure available, but much more
work is needed if researchers are to distinguish self-forgiveness from constructs such as self-condoning, self-
acceptance, and pseudo-self-forgiveness or letting oneself off the hook.
MEASURES OF TRAIT SELF-FORGIVINGNESS
Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS)
(Thompson et al., 2005 ).496 17. MEASURES OF FORGIVENESS
IV. INTERPERSONAL STYLES