Abstract: Self-forgiveness is a suite of internal positive motivational changes that occurs when a person himself is transgressor. There are some debates about the focus, mechanisms, essence and values of self-forgiveness which are self or other person, granting forgiveness or seeking forgiveness, trait or situation, positive or negative. Distinctions can be drawn between self-forgiveness and interpersonal forgiveness, such as their focus, consequences, and other influencing factors. There are three tools for the measurement of self-forgiveness, which are Forgive of Self Scale, Heartland Forgiveness Scale and State Self-Forgiveness Scale. The researches of self-forgiveness indicated that self-forgiveness is related to psychological health, but the relationship between self-forgiveness and personality traits is not clear. The definition, research methods and research scope of self-forgiveness must be considered in future researches.

Key words: forgiveness, self-forgiveness, personality