ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we review the findings from previous forgiveness intervention research as summarized in the most comprehensive meta-analysis to date (Wade, Hoyt, Kidwell, & Worthington, 2014), which was published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. We then outline a literature review of research done since the publication of that meta-analysis. We categorize the recent research under five headings: cultural adaptation of forgiveness interventions, processes of forgiveness interventions that lead to change, forgiveness interventions integrated with treatment for specific disorders, community-wide interventions to promote forgiveness, and self-guided interventions. We review the conclusions that can still be drawn from the forgiveness literature, as well as new assertions that can be made. Some of the findings supported by evidence we reviewed include the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions for promoting forgiveness of others, the role of treatment duration, the collateral improvement in depression, anxiety, and hope that accompanies forgiving, and the effectiveness of forgiveness interventions across participants with diverse identities and presenting concerns. We conclude the chapter with suggestions for future research needed to expand the field.
