The Science of Forgiveness: Mental Health Recovery and Interpersonal Reconciliation
The Science of Forgiveness: Mental Health Recovery and Interpersonal Reconciliation
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Issue Date
2025-05-03
Authors
Bath, Shama
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Abstract
This literature review examines the complex connection between forgiveness, trauma, and psychological resilience while filling a significant knowledge gap in existing studies. The literature review aims to evaluate how forgiveness interventions work across different cultures and the lasting behavioral effects on people who experienced childhood trauma. The research employs a strict qualitative approach to analyze interdisciplinary studies from psychology together with counselling and social work disciplines. This literature review investigates forgiveness as both a psychological phenomenon and social and cultural process which plays a key role in mental health treatment while showing gender-specific patterns. The research assesses the REACH Forgiveness model alongside its effects on trauma recovery and resilience development. The research also reveals insufficient cross-cultural studies and evaluates the combination of forgiveness interventions with trauma-informed care approaches. The review demonstrates the potential of forgiveness to strengthen resilience in trauma victims while recommending practical applications through culturally adapted psychoeducation programs and trauma-sensitive forgiveness therapy in different settings. The review concludes with recommendations for future research to study religious versus secular forgiveness practices and to evaluate long-term intervention effectiveness. The research also provides a detailed evaluation to improve trauma-informed forgiveness approaches while emphasizing cultural sensitivity and equity in mental health care.
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Keywords
forgiveness , cross-cultural trauma , psychological resilience , REACH forgiveness model