Linear Article

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Linear Article Critique Part 1: Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Anger, Mood and Vulnerability to Substance Use Among Inpatient Substance-Dependent Clients (Wei-Fen et al., 2004)

Kelsey Karon

Liberty University

Linear Article Critique Part 1: Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Anger, Mood and Vulnerability to Substance Use among Inpatient Substance-Dependent Clients (Wei-Fen et al., 2004)

Summary of Article

The purpose of this research study was to determine the effect of Forgiveness Therapy (FT) on patients with substance dependency. More specifically their study focuses on the effect of anger management and urges to use substances. It is noted that anger and violence levels observed from alcohol and other substance abusers are much higher than what is found in the general population (Wei-Fen et al., 2004). Anger management is an important focus in most treatment programs, but these programs attempt at teaching clients to manage and express anger more effectively. Wei-Fen et al. (2004) suggest that instead the focus should be in teaching patients ways they can actually decrease their anger. From their research the authors suggest, “FT has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of anger, anxiety and depression rather than simply improving individual’ ability to cope with these emotions” (Wei-Fen et al., 2004 p. 1115). The authors hypothesized that individuals in a residential treatment program for substance dependence would demonstrate less anger, depression, anxiety and vulnerability and have more self esteem after receiving FT (Wei-Fen et al., 2004).

All participants were all recruited from a drug rehabilitation center that offers residential treatment for those suffering from substance dependencies (Wei-Fen et al., 2004). The study started off with forty-three potential participants which were referred by their therapists. The participants were then given the Enright Forgiveness Inventory (EFI) and the Spielberger State-Trait...