Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Theory and Application

by Everett L. Worthington Jr.

To be unforgiving is harmful. The inability to come to terms with one’s anger or strife often can lead to stress disorders, mental health disorders, and relationship problems. Forgiveness is a personal decision. Forgiveness and Reconciliation focuses on individual experiences with forgiveness, aiming to create a theory of what forgiveness is and connect it to a clinical theory of how to promote forgiveness. Dr. Worthington creates an evidence-based approach that is applicable for individuals and relationships, and even for society. He also describes an evidence-based method of reconciliation - restoring trust in damaged relationships. Dr. Worthington hopes that this theory will inform scientific research and improve intervention strategies. Showing that forgiveness transforms personality, Worthington describes ways a clinician can promote (but not force) forgiveness of others and self. He provides research-based theory and applications and discusses the role of emotion and specific personality traits as related to forgiveness. Forgiveness and reconciliation might not be cures, but, as Worthington shows, they are tools for transforming both the self and the world.

Genres: Psychology

324 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Bicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. I carried a heavy burden of unforgiveness for many years, and this book gave me the tools I needed to unlock that compartment of my heart and release it. An excellent explanation of the science of forgiveness and why, psychologically, it is so difficult. Also, a spiritual guide to how God takes care of the wrongs that have been done to you if you are willing to trust Him to do so.

[Geoffrey Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book helpful when doing forgiveness research. I published a review in a journal. There’s a newer edition.