Lin Article Part 1

Lin Article Critique: Part 1

Micki Gurganus

Liberty University

Lin Article Critique: Part 1

Summary of Article

The Lin Article starts of by explaining how anger and violence are much higher in those whom are alcohol and substance abusers then those in the general population. This article by Lin et al is based upon the values and benefits of Forgiveness Therapy. The article sees resentment and anger as justifiable means which can and most of the time will lead to negative behavior which can become violent and pose numerous problems in the function of everyday life activities. Lin et al, recognizes how Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy focuses on the alcoholic being aware of their anger and learning other ways to respond to this anger but there is very little data that document that this is effective.

This article looks into a group of researchers who have worked on developing a new therapeutic approach in regards to anger called Forgiveness Therapy and a more standard regimen called Alcohol and Drug Counseling (ADC). Litt, Kadden, Cooney, and Kabela (2003) found that cognitive-behavioral therapy and interactional group therapy increased coping skills for alcohol dependent clients. Enright and colleagues point out four phases of progress of Forgiveness Therapy: 1) uncovering, 2) decision, 3) work, and 4) discovery. Lin et al hypothesized that patients in residential treatment for alcohol and drugs could benefit greatly from Forgiveness Therapy by having less anger, depression, anxiety, and vulnerability to substance use. In order for the researchers to test the expectations they randomly placed participants who were residential clients for Forgiveness Therapy (FT) or Alcohol and Drug Counseling (ADC).

Critique of Title

The title, Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Anger, Mood, and Vulnerability to Substance use Among Inpatient Substance-Dependent Clients, is specific and relevant which allows this article to be differentiated from other articles that...