Hedonic and eudaimonic pathways of self-forgiveness and suicide-related cognitions in trinidad and tobago: a quantile regression approach

Self-forgiveness is a multidimensional construct involving both hedonic processes, primarily related to fostering self-compassion and alleviating self-condemnation, and eudaimonic processes, focused on moral repair and value reorientation. While previous research has linked self-forgiveness to lower suicidality, little is known about whether these components operate similarly across different levels of suicide-related cognitions. This study examined the associations between the hedonic (esteem restoration; ERS) and eudaimonic (value reorientation; VRO) components of self-forgiveness and suicide-related cognitions in a general population sample from Trinidad and Tobago, using quantile regression.

This cross-sectional study was conducted online via Qualtrics in 2023 with 869 English-speaking adults. Suicide-related cognitions were measured using the Brief Suicide Cognitions Scale, and self-forgiveness was assessed with the Self-Forgiveness Dual-Process Scale, comprising the VRO and ERS subscales. Quantile regression analyses were conducted at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of suicide-related cognition scores, controlling for demographic characteristics.

Robust linear regression using Huber’s M-estimator was also performed to assess model stability. Quantile regression indicated that ERS was linked to significantly lower suicide-related cognitions at all examined quantiles, with the strongest associations observed at the 50th and 75th percentiles (β = –0.47, p < .001 for both). VRO (eudaimonic component) showed a significant negative association only at the 75th percentile (β = –0.13, p = .045).

For comparison, robust linear regression using Huber’s M-estimator showed a significant negative association for ERS, whereas VRO was not statistically significant. This study underscores the importance of examining self-forgiveness beyond average effects, as its components may not operate uniformly across suicide-related-cognition levels. The use of quantile regression highlights these differences and points to the need for future longitudinal research to examine whether these associations reflect processes relevant to suicide prevention.

Value Reorientation (eudaimonic component of self-forgiveness) Personal Esteem Restoration (hedonic–personal component of self-forgiveness) Standard error of standardized coefficient Coefficient of determination (pseudo R² in robust/quantile regression) This publication was made possible through the support of a grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation (#20709). The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Templeton World Charity Foundation. S.B.S-B. is a recipient of financial support from the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP).

Open Access funding was enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL. This publication was made possible through the support of a grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation (#20709).