Psychological Development and Education ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (4): 502-511.doi: 10.16187/j.cnki.issn1001-4918.2026.04.05

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Developmental Trends and Heterogeneous Trajectories of Forgiveness among Junior High School Students: The Predictive Role of Big Five Personality Traits

LI Shuqin1,2,3,4, XIANG Yanhui1,2,3,4   

  1. 1. Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081;
    2. Center for Mind & Brain Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081;
    3. Research Center for Mental Health Education of Hunan Province, Changsha 410081;
    4. School of Educational Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081
  • Published:2026-07-04

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Abstract: Forgiveness is a traditional virtue in Chinese culture, and understanding its developmental characteristics and underlying mechanisms during adolescence holds significant theoretical and practical implications. Drawing on the developmental model of forgiveness and trait activation theory, the present study employed a three-wave longitudinal design to track 385 seventh-grade students (199 boys, 186 girls) over two years. Latent growth modeling and latent class growth analysis were employed to examine overall developmental trends, identify distinct trajectory profiles, and explore the predictive role of the Big Five personality traits. The results revealed that: (1) Three heterogeneous trajectory classes of forgiveness development were identified, including High-Stable Forgiveness (28.31%), Low-Stable Forgiveness (13.77%), and Moderate-Declining Forgiveness (57.92%); (2) Neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness significantly predicted trajectory membership, whereas conscientiousness and extraversion did not. The findings contribute to the forgiveness development model and extend trait activation theory, and provide practical implications for designing individualized forgiveness education tailored to personality traits.

Key words: forgiveness, junior high school students, developmental trend, developmental trajectories, Big Five personality

CLC Number: 

  • B844
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