A Meta-Analysis on Forgiveness

Running head: JOURNAL ARTICLE TWO

Intervention Studies on Forgiveness: A Meta-Analysis

COUN 506 Integration of Psychology and Theology

Luke B. McCoy, Sr.

Liberty University

Dr. Brigitte Ritchey

Spring 2014

Intervention Studies on Forgiveness: A meta-Analysis

Summary

A Meta-Analysis can be thought of as one conducting research about research. In other words, it is a review of the literature on research about a particular subject area in order to categorize research based on characteristics such as similarities, contrasts, patterns, and other features. This is what Thomas W. Baskin and Robert D. Enright did in Intervention Studies on Forgiveness: A Meta-Analysis (Baskin and Enright, 2004). The authors thoroughly reviewed nine published case studies to compare research findings on the potential effectiveness of forgiveness intervention as conducted through clinical studies. A common theme among the highlighted studies was that forgiveness could be impacted by forgiveness counseling, which was commonly referred to throughout the studies as forgiveness intervention. In emphasizing the commonalities of the studies, Baskin and Enright clearly explained their definition of forgiveness as a volunteer or wilful act of the forgiver. As part of the process, the forgiver replaces negative emotions such as resentment, anger, depression, and frustration, with good will and selfless beneficence to the offender (2004).

Throughout the nine highlighted case studies, there were varied examples of deep-rooted hurt and offense stemming from unwanted circumstances such as incest, abandonment, deprivation, and more. The article was relatively easy for the reader to follow as the case studies were presented in chronological order based on their publication dates. The descriptions of the case studies included details such as the size and characteristics of the sample pool and the selected research methodology to test the varied forgiveness...