Personality Correlates of Forgiveness among Post Graduate Students

God has created each and every person unique. Everyone have different patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior. Therefore, each person may behave differently even in similar situation. Basically it depends on personality traits, a person has born with. By maintaining unique personality traits and characteristics people live in this world successfully and build healthy interpersonal relationships. Some personality traits help people to build and maintain warm relationship with others. They might forgive others and ignore their mistakes easily and whole heartedly. Forgiveness is a way of smoothing social relationships and maintaining one‘s wellbeing. Personality traits have a strong relationship with the level of forgiveness. People with different personality traits have different level of forgiveness that depends on how a person thinks about other persons and the situations. So it is interesting and important to explore the relationship between personality correlates of forgiveness particularly among post graduate because the empirical findings of this kind of research is helpful to identify intensity of soft feelings and warmth youth is having with reference to differences in their characteristics.

Today‘s researchers have dedicated a great deal of consideration to the issue of forgiveness (Inrig, 2006). Forgiveness is defined as a procedure that involves a change in feelings, sentiment, and thoughts about a wrongdoer. It is a deliberate and charitable procedure determined by a conscious choice to pardon an offender. This procedure occurs as a result of reduced inspiration to hit back a criminal regardless of his or her engagements. Therefore, the needs arose in a forgiver to reduce negative emotions related with a wrongdoer. Forgiveness is a gradual process (Denmark et al. 2006). Forgiveness turned out to be a blessing as it took away a person out for all of our inner troubles. In various situations, forgiveness lessens

are often considered to be more important first step for a true forgiveness. That is not impossible but very painful and difficult, for those people who have been wound, they have to forget and forgive a sinner even if a significant excuse is not forthcoming from him or her (Engel, 2001). Forgiveness is very important for curing different psychological problems by brining positive changes in one‘s emotions, to get better physical and mental health and in order to resolve different conflict among individuals and diverse type of groups (Denmark et al. 2006). It is considered to be a very important factor to keep relationships smooth and healthy with others as it has a lot of benefits on physical and mental health of people. People, who do not forgive, create a lot of difficulties for their self and others and they cannot maintain their relationship. Therefore it is important to explore that which personality traits have more tendencies to forgive. The major goal of the present study is to examine a correlation between personality correlates of forgiveness among post graduate students. The word ―forgive‖ means to wipe the slate clean, to pardon, to cancel a debt. When we wrong someone, we seek his or her forgiveness in order for the relationship to be restored. It is important to remember that forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. Instead, it is an act of love, mercy, and grace.

Personality is made up the characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that make a person unique. Researchers have found while some external factors can influence how certain traits are expressed, personality originates within the individual. Big Five Personality Factors Personality traits have a great influence on every action of people. These traits make a person unique and everyone has different thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Derlega, Winstead, and Jones (2000) have stated that our personality is composed of comparatively stable, interpersonal characteristics and processes that differentiate one person from another. However, there are some common traits in which different people are found to be similar. That is why personality psychologists have emphasized both individual differences and consistencies in behavior. According to Worthington and Scherer (2004) inability to forgive in our daily life is a main root of psychological suffering. Research has shown that in such type of circumstances forgiveness is a real managing technique to promote mental health and overall well-being in an individual. McCullough (2001) has stated that psychologist and researchers have tried to investigate the relationship between personality traits and forgiveness in order to recognize which types of people are inclined to be more forgiving (as cited in Denmark et al. 2006, p. 5). ISSN 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) ©Center for Promoting Ideas, USA www.ijhssnet.com 150 On the basis of the variability in the behavior of people, researchers have differentiated between states and traits. A state is a temporary reaction of a person to any current situation. Traits are enduring and permanent patterns of behavior. These traits reflect individual differences (Derlega, Winstead, Jones, 2000). Personality traits have a great impact on people‘s behavior either in positive or negative direction. Mischel (1968) has described human personality as existing within a strong harmony and has classified traits on the basis of ―Big Five‖ personality dimensions. The measurements were developed from the study of the natural terms people use in their native language to communicate to communicate with each other, to measure the personality traits (John, Nauman, & Soto, 2008). The classification of personality traits is usually denoted as OCEAN. The word ―OCEAN‖ is a shortening for the name of five factors. These five different factors are known as the ―Big 5‖. Big five factors are Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness (Ewen,1998; Costa &McCrar, 199)

One of the most complex concepts within the field of psychology is personality theory. Surrounding personality theory is an air of mystery and uncertainty that leads to frequent debates among academics. ―The Big Five‖ is a theory of personality that identifies five distinct factors as central to personality: Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. The five-factor model can be more easily remembered through the acronym: OCEAN.

The first factor of the Big Five model, openness to experience, focuses on the appreciation of art and beauty, as well as a general reception to novelty. Each of the five factors is split into six distinct facets. The facets of openness to experience include:

Individuals who score high on openness to experience tend to be very creative and amenable to new ideas and activities. They usually possess a rich and fulfilling internal life, frequently spending their

artwork recently seen or intellectual theories recently learned about.

Those who score low on openness to experience are more inclined toward conventional thought. Their ranges of interests are typically narrower and they tend to be more down to earth.

The second factor of this model, conscientiousness, revolves around the idea of organization and perseverance. The six facets of conscientiousness are:

High scorers on conscientiousness tend to be very dependable and hard working. You are likely to see a high scorer creating many to-do lists and breaking down large goals into achievable steps. They rely heavily on organization and take a methodical approach to achieve their goals. They are willing to dedicate an enormous amount of effort to succeed.

Those who score low on Conscientiousness tend to be more impulsive and laid-back. Spontaneity usually characterizes their approach to academic and vocational situations. They go with the flow and shy away from schedules and concrete plan.

The third factor of the Big Five model is extraversion, which focuses on sociability and where individuals derive their energy from. Low scores on this dimension tend to indicate a more internal source of energy, while high scores denote an external source of energy.

Individuals who score high on extraversion tend to prefer to be in the presence of other people. They are often described as the ―life of the party‖. They favor being in the spotlight and frequently engage in thrill-seeking behaviors. They leave social situations feeling excited and full of energy.

Low scorers on extraversion tend to be more introverted or reserved in nature. Being surrounded by people leaves them feeling drained and exhausted. They prefer more solo pursuits, such as reading. Their possess an inclination towards quietness.

The fourth factor of the Big Five model is agreeableness, which revolves around the idea of trust, honesty and compliance. Individuals who are agreeable tend to be more straightforward and tolerant by nature.

High scorers on agreeableness are typically more mild-mannered interpersonally. They tend to look for the best in everyone they meet and hold loyalty to the highest standard. They can be counted on to be generous, honest, dependable, and very concerned about the well-being of others.

Individuals who score low on agreeableness tent to be more suspicious of the motives of those they encounter. They are quite cynical and skeptical about the world around them. Additionally, they are more willing to use flattery or craftiness to gain favor with others.

The final Big Five model factor is neuroticism, which focuses on the experience of negative emotions. Individuals who fall in the neurotic category tend to be more prone to mood swings and emotional reactivity.

Those who score high on neuroticism tend to experience negative emotions very intensely and have difficulty controlling these emotions when they arise. They are more vulnerable to psychological distress than individuals who score lower on this facet and tend to pay a significant amount of attention to their own behavior in interpersonal situations.

Low scorers on neuroticism are typically more stable in their experience of emotions. They are more calm and relaxed in times of stress and tend to be quite slow to anger. They usually trust their ability to handle stressful situations and do not internalize awkward social situations.

mind that a high or low score on any particular factor is not necessarily good or bad. For example, there are situations where being more compliant and inclined to trust others is beneficial and there are other situations where a more skeptical approach would be the wisest choice. The Big Five is a great way to gain more insight into your own internal experience so you can make more sense of your own thoughts and behaviors.

In a research, Ghobari Bonab, Keyvanzadeh & Vahdat Torbati (2008) surveyed the relationship between the forgiveness rate and the students‘ mental health, and the results showed that the students with higher forgiveness have less depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems compared to the other group. Research results of Saif and Bahari (2004) in the survey of relationship between forgiveness and the couples‘ mental health also showed that there is a meaningful relationship between forgiveness and the couples‘ mental health. Lawler- Row and Piferi (2006) conducted a research with 425 adult examinees with age 50-95 and studied them from the forgiveness trait, and variables related to health. The research results showed that the forgiveness trait has positive relationship with health behaviors, social support, mental welfare, and psychological wellbeing, and has negative relationship with depression and stress, although there was no meaningful relationship seen between forgiveness and physical signs. After reviewing 18 studies about the benefits of forgiveness on mental health, Toussaint & Webb (2005) specified that people who forgive faults, have shown kind of less anxiety, anger and depression. Berry & et al. (2005) stated that probably the forgiveness increases the mental health through influencing on social support, interpersonal performance and healthy behavior. Furthermore, forgiveness is effective on the peoples‘ physical health through positive influence on couples‘ relationships. Also, the research of Brown & Philips (2005) showed that the tendency toward forgiveness is the anticipant of lower levels of depression. Moreover, Maltby, Macaskill & Day (2001) examined the relationship between forgiveness, character, social desirability and public health with the use of 324 participants, in a research named failure to forgive yourself and others. Their research results demonstrated that failure to forgive yourself is accompanied by higher levels of depression and anxiety in men and women. neuroticism-emotional stability, extraversion introversion, openness closeness to experience, Correlations between forgiveness of others and conscientiousness were mostly positive (Mullet et al, 1999). Worthington also posited that Openness to Experience is a fostering characteristic of forgiveness(Worthington, 1998). However, several studies have failed to find a relationship between Openness to Experience and forgiveness of others(Ashton et al, 1998; McCullough and Worthington, 1999Ross et al, 2004; Walker and Gorsuch, 2002). It should be noted that a negative correlation between the imagination facet of openness to experience and forgiveness of others (Walker and Gorsuch, 2002). Several studies have also failed to find a relationship between forgiveness of others and Conscientiousness (Ashton et al, 1998; Ross et al, 2004; Walker and Gorsuch, 2002). However, a positive correlation between the dutifulness facet of conscientiousness and forgiveness (i.e., forgiveness of others and receiving God forgiveness) (Walker and Gorsuch, 2002).

In a study conducted by Maltby, Alex and Wood (2008) explored whether the domains and facets of the five-factor model of personality predicted motivational states for avoidance and revenge following a transgression at a second temporal point distant from the original transgression. A sample of 438 university students, who reported experiencing a serious transgression against them, completed measures of avoidance and revenge motivations around the transgression and five-factor personality domains and facets at time 1, and measures of avoidance and revenge motivations two and a half years later. The findings suggest that neuroticism, and specifically anger hostility, predicts revenge and avoidance motivations two and a half years later. Findings are discussed within McCullough‘s three systems of interpersonal forgiveness. In a study conducted by Hirsch, Webb, and Jegic (2011) on Forgiveness, Depression and Suicidal Behavior among diverse sample of college students. Depression and suicide are significant public health concerns for college-age young adults. Meaning based characteristics, such as forgiveness, a voluntary coping process involving offering, feeling, or seeking a change from negative to positive cognitions, behaviors, and affect toward a transgressor, may buffer such poor mental health outcomes. Utilizing mediation analyses, we examined cross-sectional associations between forgiveness, depression, and suicidal behavior in a diverse student sample reporting mild to severe depressive symptoms. The effect of self-forgiveness on suicidal behavior was fully mediated by depression; self-forgiveness was associated with depression and, in turn, with suicidal behavior.

suicidal behavior. Prospective research is needed, yet self and other-forgiveness may be appropriate targets for promotion in suicide prevention efforts. In a study conducted by Ta-Wei Wang (year) examined the relationship between forgiveness and big five personality traits in a sample of Taiwanese college students. A sample of 155 participants completed measures of State and Trait Forgiveness (Rye et al., 2001) and the Big Five personality traits (Benet-Martínez& John, 1998). Results showed that Agreeableness and Neuroticism were significantly related to both forgiveness measures. In a study conducted by Hafnida (2013) he sought to determine whether personality and spirituality accounted for a significant portion of forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others. Much of the recent study has looked at the relationship between five factor of personality and forgiveness. Recent evidence indicates that five factor of personality and spirituality plays a strong role in the study of forgiveness. Results using Bivariate Correlations models indicated that Emotional Stability was significantly positively related to forgiveness; Agreeableness was positively related to forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others. Moreover, extraversion and conscientiousness was significantly positively related to forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others. In order, spirituality explained a significant positively related to forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others. In a study conducted by Al-Sabeelah, Alraggad&Ameerh (2014) examined the relationship between forgiveness and personality traits, mental health among sample Jordanian university students. Participants of the study consisted of 450 completed forgiveness trait questionnaire, personality traits questionnaire and mental health questionnaire. Means, standard deviations and correlation analysis were used for data. Results indicate that there is a significant positive correlation between forgiveness traits, personality traits and mental health. In a study conducted by Jayshree (2017) on Associational Study of Personality Factors and Forgiveness. 85 boys and 47 girls, studying at undergraduate level in Jalgaon, were administered Big Five Personality inventory by Costa & McCrae and Hastland forgiveness scale. It was hypothesized that neuroticism and forgiveness are negatively and strongly related. Relationships between extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness and forgiveness are positive and strong. Results of the study supported both the hypothesis. All the three measures of forgiveness: forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others and forgiveness of situations were negatively and very strongly related to neuroticism. personality substrates of forgiveness has been growing recently. Empirical evidences have suggested that agreeableness may be the most robust predictor of forgiveness and revenge. This article examined gender differences in the relationship between this dispositional quality and interpersonal forgiveness in a sample of young adults. This study also tested the role of gender as a potential moderating factor between dispositional traits and forgiveness dimensions. While no gender differences were found in agreeableness in our sample, females scored lower in motivation to avoid while males scored higher in motivation to revenge. Results also indicated that agreeableness was significantly associated with motivations to avoid (only in males) and seek revenge (for both genders). Finally, gender also moderated the association between agreeableness and motivation to revenge.

To study the personality correlates of forgiveness among post-graduate students.

• To examine the personality correlates of forgiveness of self among female post-graduate students • To examine the personality correlates of forgiveness of self among male post-graduate students • To examine the personality correlates of forgiveness of others among female post-graduate students • To examine the personality correlates of forgiveness of others among male post-graduate students • To examine the personality correlates of forgiveness of situations among female post-graduate students • To examine the personality correlates of forgiveness of situations among male post-graduate students • To examine the personality correlates of total score on forgiveness among female students

Forgiveness as an action or an attitude on the part of forgiver and it‘s a positive emotion. It is measured by Heartland Forgiveness Scale developed by Y.Thompson and C.R. Synder.

The distinctive pattern of behavior including thoughts and emotions, that characterize each individual‘s adaptation to the situations of his/her life. Here the emphasis is on behavior. It is measured by NEO FFI (OCEAN).

► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with forgiveness of self among female post graduate students ► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with forgiveness of self among male post graduate students ► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with forgiveness of others female students ► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with forgiveness of others male students ► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with forgiveness of situations among female post graduate students ► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with forgiveness of situations among male post graduate students ► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with total score on forgiveness among female post graduate students ► There will be a significant correlation of personality traits with total score on forgiveness among male post graduate students

Method of research includes sampling details, tools used and procedure adapted for the collection of the data and the statistical procedure used to analyze the data. correlation of personality traits with forgiveness.

Random sampling technique was used 100 students were selected as sample studying M.Sc from different combinations. Among those 50 boys and 50 girls were included.

• Post Graduates (MSc), • Both boys and girls were included • Who Are Studying in Bangalore University Aged between 21 to 26 were taken.

• Post Graduate students, who are studying Humanities, Managements Streams are excluded. • Other Universities Post graduate students were excluded. • Post Graduates who are above 26 and Below 21 years age also not included.

► The total scores were summed up and calculated. ► Correlation was done to see whether the OCEAN personality traits are correlated with different dimensions of forgiveness among boys and girls post graduate students.

The above table shows the strength, direction and significance level of correlation between personality traits and the forgiveness of self among post graduate female students. As it shown that Neuroticism has a negative correlation (-.13) which

and this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and forgiveness of self among female post graduate female students. Another trait, Extraversion has a positive correlation (.20) with forgiveness of self, this correlation is negligible and this correlation is not significant, hence there is no significant relationship between extraversion and forgiveness of self among female post graduate students. It is found that Openness has a positive correlation (.34) with forgiveness of self and this is moderate level of relationship, this relationship is significant therefore, there is a significant relationship between openness and forgiveness of self among female post graduate students. It is also found that an Agreeableness has a negative relationship (-.35) with forgiveness of self and it is significant hence there is a significant negative relationship between agreeableness and forgiveness of self among female post graduate students. It is found that Conscientiousness have a negative correlation (-.0.2) which shows low level correlation with forgiveness of self and this correlation is not significant. Hence there is no significant relationship between conscientiousness and forgiveness of self among the female post graduate students.

The above table shows the strength, direction and significance level of correlation between personality traits and the forgiveness of self among post graduate male students. It is found that neuroticism has a Negative correlation (-.17) which is very low level of correlation with forgiveness of self and this correlation is not significant, hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and forgiveness of self among male post graduate students. It is also found that an Extraversion trait has a positive correlation (.11) with forgiveness of self and this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between extraversion and students. It is also found that Openness is positively correlated (.07) which is negligible correlation with forgiveness of self and it is not significant, therefore there is a no significant relationship between openness and forgiveness of self among male post graduate students. Agreeableness trait found to be positively correlated (.21) trait with forgiveness of self. This correlation is not significant hence there is a no significant relationship between agreeableness and forgiveness of self among male post graduate students. It is found that Conscientiousness has a negative correlation (-.29) which shows low level negative correlation with forgiveness of self and this correlation is significant. Hence there is a significant relationship between conscientiousness and forgiveness of self among the male post graduate students.

The above table shows the strengths and the correlation between personality traits and the forgiveness of others among post graduate male students. As it shown that the Neuroticism has a negative correlation (-.26) which is very low level of correlation with forgiveness of others. And this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and forgiveness of others among male post graduate female students. It is found that an Extraversion has a positive correlation (.12) with forgiveness of others and this correlation is not significant at any level, hence there is no significant relationship between extraversion and forgiveness of others among male post graduate students. It is also found that Openness has a positive correlation (.18) with forgiveness of others, which is not significant at any level therefore; there is a no significant relationship between openness and

Agreeableness found to be positively correlated trait (.14) with forgiveness of others, which is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between agreeableness and forgiveness of others among male post graduate students. It is found that Conscientiousness has a negative correlation (-.17) which shows low level correlation with forgiveness of others and this correlation is not significant. Hence there is no significant relationship between conscientiousness and forgiveness of others among the male post graduate students.

The above table shows the strength, direction and the significance level of correlation between personality traits and the forgiveness of others among post graduate female students. As it shown that Neuroticism has a negative correlation (-.09) which is very low level of correlation with forgiveness of others. And this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and forgiveness of others among female post graduate female students. It is found that an Extraversion also has a positive correlation (.30) with forgiveness of others, which is significant at 0.05 level, hence there is a significant relationship between extraversion and forgiveness of others among female post graduate students. Openness trait found to be positively correlated (.38) trait with forgiveness of others, which is significant at 0.01 level, therefore there is a significant relationship between openness and forgiveness of others among female post graduate students. Agreeableness has a negative relationship (-.05) which is low level of correlation with forgiveness of others. This correlation is not a significant correlation, therefore there is a no significant relationship between agreeableness and forgiveness of others among female post graduate students . Conscientiousness has a positive correlation (.25) which shows low level of correlation with forgiveness of others. This correlation is not significant. Hence there is no significant relationship between

The above table shows the strength, direction and significance level of correlation between personality traits and the forgiveness of others among post graduate female students. As it shown that Neuroticism has a negative correlation (-.24) which is very low level of correlation with forgiveness of situations. And this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and forgiveness of situations among female post graduate female students. Extraversion also has a negative correlation (-.98), which is very high level of correlation with forgiveness of situations; whereas, this correlation is not significant hence there is a no significant relationship between extraversion and forgiveness of situations among female post graduate students. It is found that Openness has a positive correlation (.60) which is in moderate level relationship with forgiveness of situations, whereas this relationship is not significant relationship hence there is no significant relationship between openness and forgiveness of situations among female post graduate students. Agreeableness also has a positive relationship (.11) which is low level positive correlation with forgiveness of situations. Whereas, this correlation is not significant, hence there is a no significant relationship between agreeableness and forgiveness of situation among female post graduate students. Conscientiousness also found to be positively correlated (.21) with forgiveness of situations and this correlation is not significant. Hence there is no significant relationship between conscientiousness and forgiveness of situations among the female post graduate students.

The above table shows the strength, direction and significance level of correlation between personality traits and the forgiveness of situations among post graduate male students. As it shown that Neuroticism has a negative correlation (-.37) which is very low level of correlation with forgiveness of situations. Whereas, this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and forgiveness of situations among male post graduate students. It is found that Extraversion has a positive correlation (.02), which is very low positive correlation with forgiveness of situations and this correlation is not significant hence there is a no significant relationship between extraversion and forgiveness of situations among male post graduate students. It is also found that Openness has a negative correlation (-.30) which is moderate negative correlation with forgiveness of situations. This correlation is significant; therefore there is a significant relationship between openness and forgiveness of situations among male post graduate students. Agreeableness also has a positive relationship (.18) which is low level of correlation with forgiveness of situations. Whereas, this correlation is not significant, hence there is a no significant relationship between agreeableness and forgiveness of situations among male post graduate students. It is found that Conscientiousness has a positive correlation (.004) which shows very low level correlation with forgiveness of situations and this correlation is not significant. Hence there is no significant relationship between conscientiousness and forgiveness of situations among the male post graduate students.

The above table shows the strength, direction and significance level of correlation between personality traits and the total score of forgiveness among post graduate female students. As it shown that Neuroticism has a positive correlation (.21) which has a low level positive correlation with total score on forgiveness. And this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and total score on forgiveness among female post graduate students. Extraversion also has a positive correlation (.21) which is also a lower level positive correlation with total score on forgiveness and this correlation is not significant hence there is a no significant relationship between extraversion and total score on forgiveness among female post graduate students . It is also found that the Openness has a positive correlation (.37), which is moderate level positive correlation with total score on forgiveness. This correlation is significant at 0.01 level. Hence there is a significant relationship between openness and total score on forgiveness among female post graduate students. Agreeableness also found to be positively correlated (.01) which is very low level of correlation with total score on forgiveness. Whereas, this correlation is not significant, therefore there is no significant relationship between agreeableness and total score on forgiveness.among female post graduate students. Conscientiousness has a positive correlation (.05) which is low correlation with total score on forgiveness and this correlation is not significant. Hence there is no significant relationship between conscientiousness and total score on forgiveness among the female post graduate students.

The above table shows the strength, direction and significance level of correlation between personality traits and the total score on forgiveness among male post graduate students. As it shown that Neuroticism has a negative correlation (-.36) which is moderate level of correlation with total score on forgiveness. And this correlation is not significant hence there is no significant relationship between neuroticism and total score of forgiveness among male post graduate students. It is found that Extraversion has a positive correlation (.11) which showed very low level positive correlation with total score on forgiveness and this correlation is not significant hence there is a no significant relationship between extraversion and total score of forgiveness among male post graduate students. It is also found that Openness also has a positive correlation (.001) which is very low positive correlation with total score on forgiveness and this correlation is not significant therefore there is a no significant relationship between openness and total score on forgiveness among male post graduate students. Agreeableness also has a positive relationship (.23) which is moderate level positive correlation with total score on forgiveness. Whereas, this correlation is not significant hence there is a no significant relationship between agreeableness and total score on forgiveness among male post graduate students. It is also found that the Conscientiousness has a negative correlation (-.20) which shows lower level correlation with total score forgiveness and this correlation is not significant. Hence there is no significant relationship between conscientiousness and total score on forgiveness among the male post graduate students. In finding out the personality correlates of forgiveness, forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others and forgiveness of situations, the above analysis showed that there is a significant relationship of personality traits with forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others, forgiveness of situations and total forgiveness hence the hypotheses of the present study are accepted. In finding out the personality correlates of forgiveness, forgiveness of self, forgiveness of others and forgiveness of situations, the above analysis showed that there is a significant relationship of Openness and forgiveness of self among male post graduate students.

Keeping in view the objectives of the present study the below conclusions were drawn ► There is a significant relationship of Openness and agreeableness with forgiveness of self among female post graduate students. ► Conscientiousness has a significant relationship with forgiveness of self among male post graduate students. ► Extraversion and openness have a significant relationship with forgiveness of others among female post graduate students. ► There is no significant correlation of personality traits with forgiveness of others among male post graduate students ► Neurotism and openness among post graduate boys have significant correlation with total forgiveness ► Among post graduate girls, only openness has a significant relationship with total forgiveness.

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Student, Department of Psychology, Bangalore University E-Mail – vivekananda.s123@gmail.com