Forgiveness Therapy

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the psychology of forgiveness, particularly with regard to secular versus spiritual-based populations. Specifically, the paper presents an exploratory analysis of the effects of forgiveness in therapy and identifies whether certain populations are more likely to respond to forgiveness therapy than others. The researcher assumes that certain practices involving forgiveness therapy will benefit secular and non-secular populations equally and the paper discusses this assumption.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Purpose of Study
Significance of Study
Background to Study
Aims and Objectives
Methods
Research Design
Theoretical Framework
Procedure
Instrumentation
Results
Hypothetical Questions
Discussion
Overview Results and Implications

From the Paper:

"Murray (2002) suggests that Hargrave (1994) provides a competent theoretical framework for using forgiveness in therapeutic environments, noting that forgiveness requires specific action "regarding the responsibility for the injustice" resulting in hurt; further forgiveness involves allowing the victim to discern that legitimate reasons exist for the offenders accepting responsibility for his or her wrongdoing and that promises to refrain from further injustice may serve a just cause. Forgiveness is best achieved under this premise when the offender agrees they are responsible for actions and when the victim no longer holds the offender responsible for their injustice; this approach allows "restoration of trust" which becomes a basis for reestablishing relationships among those involved (Murray, 188)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hargrave, T.D. (1994). Families and forgiveness: Healing wounds in the intergenerational family. New York: Bruner/Mazel.
• Kanz, J.E. (2000). "How do people conceptualize and use forgiveness? The forgiveness attitudes questionnaire." Counseling and Values, 44(3): 174.
• Lin, W.F., Mack, D., Enright, R.D., Krahn, D. & Baskin, T. (2004, Dec). "Effects of forgiveness therapy on anger, mood and vulnerability to substance use among inpatient substance dependent clients." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(6): 1114-1121.
• Murray, R.J. (2002). "The therapeutic use of forgiveness in healing intergenerational pain." Counseling and Values, 46(3): 188.
• Ransley, C. & Spy, T. (2004). Forgiveness and the healing process: A central therapeutic concern. Hove: Brunner-Routledge.

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