Community Healing, Forgiveness, Repentance and Psychological Well-Being Among Survivors and Former Perpetrators of the Genocide Against Tutsi in Rwanda.

Abstract

Introduction: Although both survivors and perpetrators of the 1994 Tutsi genocide in Rwanda continue to experience the impacts of this tragedy and its aftermath, a number of health measures have been implemented to lessen the severity of these psychological distresses. We are aware of very little information on this research field. In order to better understand the impact of forgiveness and repentance on the mental and physical health of 1994 genocide survivors and converted genocide perpetrators, this study was conducted. Methods: In Rwanda's Southern Province, an observational cross-sectional study was conducted among genocide survivors and perpetrators. The statistical studies utilized were descriptive and inferential. For all the variables in this investigation, descriptive statistics and the Pearson Correlation matrix were used. Statistically significant internals at 95% and 5% were guaranteed. Results: Our results show a low depression, PTSD and Positive Psychological wellbeing among the respondents who attended the community healing sessions than those who didn’t attended. Positive correlation between seeking forgiveness and depression, psychological wellbeing, and PTSD was found. Our results revealed fully mediated the relationship between basic forgiveness and mental health outcomes (such as depression symptoms, and PTSD) while positive dimension of forgiveness partially mediated the links between the mental health status. Our results also showed that the propensity to forgive might be a mechanism via which basic hope reduces odds of depression, PTSD and increase of the odds of positive Psychological wellbeing. Conclusion: The results of community-based interventions that significantly reduce psychological distresses like depression, anxiety, and PTSD include repentance, and forgiveness.