Defining forgiveness: an empirical exploration of process and role.
- Resource Type
- Article
- Authors
- Denton, Roy T.; Martin, Michael W.
- Source
- American Journal of Family Therapy; October/December 1998, Vol. 26 Issue 4, p281-292, 12p
- Subject
- Forgiveness
Family psychotherapy
Interpersonal relations
Quantitative research
Therapeutics
Empirical research
Conduct of life
- Language
- ISSN
- 01926187
The forgiveness process has been advocated as being useful in treating a wide range of inter- and intrapersonal problems. However, acceptance of this technique has been limited in part by its weak empirical basis. This study assessed a sample of experienced clinicians for their perceptions of the definition of forgiveness, the steps in the process, and appropriate therapeutic usage. Statistical analysis within and between groups yields clear guidelines for therapeutic and research purposes. Treatment suggestions and directions for future research are explicated. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.