The Role of Forgiveness for Aging and Advanced Illness: An Integrative Systematic Review

Purpose and design of study: This is an integrative systematic review of the role of forgiveness to cope with death anxiety that is common to aging and advanced illness. The purpose is to facilitate evidence-based information for holistic nurses to favor the promotion of forgiveness in their patients. Method: An integrative systematic review was undertaken to synthesize findings from original peer-reviewed research articles using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods conducted in adults (≥18 years old) receiving treatment for advanced illness and/or of older age (≥ 65 years old) from five electronic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Scopus). Findings: Forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. A priori framework-based synthesis identified the commonalities in the attributes underlying forgiveness, benefits of forgiveness on physical and mental health, and the forgiveness interventions relevant to aging and advanced illness but a lack of standardized assessments. Conclusions: This systematic review provides guidance for holistic nurses to promote forgiveness as an essential part of holistic healthcare in aging and advanced illness.