Can group interventions facilitate forgiveness of an ex-spouse? A randomized clinical trial.

Journal Article (Academic article)

This study evaluated the effectiveness of 2 versions of an 8-session forgiveness group intervention for divorced individuals. Participants (randomized, n=192; analyzed, n=149) were randomly assigned to a secular forgiveness condition, a religious forgiveness condition, or a no-intervention comparison condition. Measures of forgiveness and mental health were obtained at pretest, posttest, and 6-week follow-up. Participants in both intervention conditions increased significantly more than comparison participants on self-reported forgiveness of an ex-spouse and understanding of forgiveness. Participants in the secular condition showed a greater decrease in depressive symptoms than comparison participants. Intrinsic religiousness did not moderate intervention effects.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Rye, MS; Pargament, KI; Pan, W; Yingling, DW; Shogren, KA; Ito, M

Published Date

  • October 2005

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 73 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 880 - 892

PubMed ID

  • 16287388

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0022-006X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1037/0022-006X.73.5.880

Language

  • English