ajit kumar singh

Unforgiveness refers to the prolonged unwillingness to forgive perceived wrongdoings, which can significantly affect mental and physical well-being. In contrast, resentment or grudges involve holding onto past grievances. This study examined gender differences in experiences and expressions of unforgiveness to address existing knowledge gaps. 

In this qualitative research, 34 university students (19 men and 15 women) were recruited from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India via purposive and snowball sampling in 2022. Purposive sampling targets specific characteristics, while snowball sampling recruits similar participants. Both yield relevant data for thematic analysis but limit generalizability due to smaller, specific samples. Participants shared their unforgivable experiences in semi-structured interviews developed from previous studies on unforgiveness. The transcriptions were analyzed thematically. 

The participants’ mean age was 26.43±2.88 years. The themes of similarities and differences in unforgiveness reflect both shared and distinct experiences. Both genders reported feelings of hurt, revenge, and anger, with unforgiveness manifesting as avoidance and neglect. This suggests a common emotional and behavioral response, emphasizing the role of unforgiveness in personal growth and protection from future harm. However, gender-specific differences emerged in the nature of transgressions: men reported bullying and humiliation, while women emphasized cheating and sexual abuse. Additionally, men viewed unforgiveness as a tool for offender reform, whereas women saw it as a means of protection. 

Understanding gender differences in unforgiveness can guide gender-specific interventions, addressing men’s emphasis on reform and women’s protective motives. Further research should explore cultural influences on unforgiveness and test the effectiveness of tailored therapeutic interventions across diverse populations.

Although the recent pandemic›s impact on adults has been extensively studied, little research has been done on its impact on children, despite the harmful effects COVID-19 has on them. We aim to understand the protective function of Indian joint families for the perceived life outcomes of children (9-12 years) in the early stages of the recent pandemic.

Using a qualitative research design, 25 full-time mothers from joint families with children (age range = 9-12 years) were chosen through convenience sampling. The data were collected through a semi-structured telephone interview and the transcriptions were analyzed using the thematic analysis method.

The qualitative study revealed six themes: perceived distress, the diversity of relationships, harmonious relationships, involvement in household activities, supportive roles of the elderly and collective values and practices. The uncertainty and fear enhanced the perceived distress of family members and concern for the children. The abundant supportive relational resources, involvement in household activities, warmth, optimism and cooperation of the elderly, as well as interdependence and religious practices, were the resources described to protect the children from the negative effects of the pandemic.

Indian joint families hold collectivist values that may have enabled greater support, cooperation, caring, interdependence, discipline, cultural knowledge, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Integrity, emotional stability, and caring from the elderly may have significant protective powers. Research, practice and policy implications are discussed.

Although many negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are reported for adults, little is known about its impacts on children, especially in terms of the relative roles of joint and nuclear families. Using a qualitative design, we explored the protective roles of joint and nuclear families in shaping the children’s life outcomes during COVID-19. 

In a qualitative study, 16 full-time mothers of children aged 9-12 years (8 each from joint and nuclear families) from Sagar City, India were interviewed during June and July 2020. Interview contents were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the thematic analysis method.

Five major themes were identified, negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, differences in positive engagements, emotional protective benefits, promotion of positive health habits, and routine activity management strategies. The results showed that the joint families availed and utilized more resources to positively engage their children in creativity, studies, exercise, and entertainment during the restrictions of the lockdown compared to the nuclear families. Contrary to the nuclear families, the joint families emphasized resolving emotional grievances, promoting positive emotional engagement, and extending more emotional support to their children. The joint and nuclear families also differed in their children’s food habits, health grievances, and physical exercise. Also, the joint families played more positive roles in managing children’s play behaviors, sleep habits, television watching, and other children’s activities compared to the nuclear families.

The distinctive availability of experiential, emotional, relational, and positive value resources and knowledge repertoires of the two family systems may have extended differential protective benefits to their children during the COVID-19 lockdown.