Forgiveness

Paper Summary:

This paper presents five studies that look into the concept of forgiveness and the positive outcomes of forgiveness therapy, in treating depression and anxiety. The paper concludes that patients who are able to forgive their transgressors are more likely to release old patterns of tension and self-pity, which may result in improved therapeutic outcomes in the short and long term.

From the Paper:

"The researchers collected data within a 2 week period of time, completing an anonymous questionnaire that measured demographics, presenting problems trait and state forgiveness and participant's preferences to receive forgiveness interventions in therapy. Symptoms improvement was also measured in patients with troubling symptoms. The results of the stud suggest that explicitly discussing the subject of forgiveness in therapy sessions often results in better outcomes for patients participating in therapy and improvement in general outcomes for symptoms related to depression, anxiety or similar problems. The researchers suggest the results of the study have multiple implications for other therapists, suggesting that promoting forgiveness in therapy may be an effective tool for reducing anger and un forgiveness in patients and for promoting clients ability to heal."

Sample of Sources Used:

• 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.
• Rye, M.S., Pargament, K.I., Pan, W., Yingling, D.W., Shogren, K.A. & Masako, I. (2005, Oct). "Can group interventions facilitate forgiveness of an Ex-spouse? A randomized clinical trial." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(5): 880-92.
• Struthers, W.C., Dupuis, R. & Eaton, J. (2005, Oct). "Promoting forgiveness among co-workers following a workplace transgression: The effects of social motivation training." Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 37(4): 299-308.
• Wade, N.G., Bailey, D.C. & Shaffer, P. (2005, Dec). "Helping Clients Heal: Does Forgiveness Make a Difference?" Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(6):
• Wade, N.G. & Worthington, E.L. (2005, Summer). "In search of a common core: A content analysis of interventions to promote forgiveness." Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice and Training, 42(2): 160-77.

More papers on Forgiveness:

• Essay # 143534 : "Gratitude And Forgiveness: Lasting Effects On Well-Being?"
• Analytical Essay # 129960 : "Vengeance and Forgiveness in "The Tempest"
• Argumentative Essay # 127431 : "Compassion and Forgiveness"
• Research Paper # 75225 : "The Psychology of Forgiveness"

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