The JW-RWA study investigated dimensions of forgiveness and prosocial behaviors among Jehovah’s Witnesses in Rwanda, with a focus on post-Genocide recovery. Drawing on psychological and religious frameworks, the research examined three types of forgiveness—interpersonal, divine, and self-forgiveness—alongside measures of compassionate love, community support, and helping behaviors. The survey utilized validated instruments adapted to the study population and included demographic comparisons across gender, age, and Genocide experience.
Findings indicate similar levels of trait forgiveness across demographic groups, with respondents generally expressing high levels of interpersonal forgiveness and compassion. Divine forgiveness was widely affirmed, though some respondents reported difficulty believing they were personally forgiven. Self-forgiveness was assessed through dimensions of responsibility, remorse, and self-esteem, revealing a degree of struggle among some respondents over lack of self-acceptance, self-respect, and self-love.
Prosocial behaviors, including emotional and instrumental support within congregations, were reported as common and positively associated with improved interpersonal relationships. Respondents noted enhanced relationships with family, friends, and individuals with whom they had previously experienced conflict. The study also explored the role of religious teachings and community practices in reinforcing values such as empathy, altruism, and resilience.
Overall, the findings suggest that shared religious beliefs and community support may contribute to psychosocial wellbeing and social cohesion. While individual responses varied, the general conclusions across measures point to the influence of religious identity and intrinsic motivations on attitudes toward forgiveness and prosocial behavior that are foundational in post-Genocide recovery. These results offer insights into the role of faith communities in contributing to the stability and wellbeing of families, neighborhoods, and society as a whole.
