Measuring Dispositional Forgiveness: A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis on the Heartland Forgiveness Scale

This study aimed to evaluate the generalizability of Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS) and its subscales across different continents, countries, languages, and samples. Additionally, the effects of age and gender on reliability were examined through meta-regression. A systematic review conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guideline and REGEMA checklist identified 165 studies reporting alpha coefficients for the HFS or its subscales. Meta-ANOVA was used to assess variability across contexts, while meta-regression examined age and gender as moderators. Average alpha coefficients were 0.83 (total), 0.74 (self), 0.78 (others), and 0.78 (situations). Significant differences in reliability emerged across continents, countries, and languages, but not between sample groups. Self-forgiveness reliability was lower for the Turkish version compared to the English version, and lower for studies conducted in Türkiye compared to those conducted in other countries. Age was positively but weakly associated with total scale reliability (R2 = 0.12), with higher reliability in older samples, whereas gender had no significant effect. The HFS generally demonstrates good reliability, but contextual factors like culture and language can impact internal consistency, especially for self-forgiveness.