How children experience forgiveness within peer relationships is unknown among children in West Africa. In this study, we sought to understand the contributing factors and influences of forgiveness among children in Ghana for peer-to-peer offenses. We conducted a qualitative study on 25 participants (between the ages of 12 and 15 years) in Accra, Ghana. Thematic analysis was utilized to identify themes from semi-structured interview transcripts. Unique themes centered around the perception that forgiveness ensures relationship continuation, and that a major source of learning about forgiveness is via a religious institution. Despite a common theme that an offense undermines trust in a relationship, most participants perceived that forgiveness was the preferred option for handling the offense. Results suggest that early adolescents can benefit by learning the skill of forgiveness.

中文翻译：

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加纳儿童和青少年在同伴关系中的宽恕

西非儿童如何在同伴关系中体验宽恕尚不清楚。在这项研究中，我们试图了解加纳儿童对同伴犯罪的宽恕的影响因素和影响。我们对加纳阿克拉的 25 名参与者（年龄在 12 至 15 岁之间）进行了一项定性研究。利用主题分析来识别半结构化访谈记录中的主题。独特的主题围绕这样一种观念，即宽恕确保关系的延续，并且学习宽恕的主要来源是通过宗教机构。尽管一个共同的主题是冒犯会破坏对关系的信任，但大多数参与者认为宽恕是处理冒犯行为的首选选择。