Meaning-Making

Meaning-making refers to the process through which people interpret experiences and construct understanding about themselves, others, and the world around them. Following painful, confusing, or emotionally significant experiences, people often attempt to answer questions such as: Why did this happen? What does it say about me? What does it mean for this relationship? In the context of forgiveness and estrangement, meaning-making may shape how people understand interpersonal harm and whether it is viewed as a misunderstanding, a painful but survivable rupture, a repeated pattern, or evidence of deeper incompatibility or injury. Meaning-making is not static; interpretations can change over time as new experiences, information, and perspectives emerge. This process can influence memory, emotional responses, identity, relationships, and wellbeing. Also see Prediction and Revision.