Evaluation of an online self‐help version of the REACH forgiveness program: Outcomes and predictors of persistence in a community sample

Abstract

An online self-directed version of REACH forgiveness applied in a community sample has potential for improving forgiveness-related responses, particularly those involving emotional forgiveness. However, methods to increase program persistence and target suitable recipients need development.

Examining the Effectiveness of Two Types of Forgiveness Intervention to Enhance Well-Being in Adults from Young to Older Adulthood

“…In the next step, participants are invited to give an altruistic (A) response to forgive the offender based on the experiences of the participant that have been forgiven, thus, reinforcing humility. At a subsequent time, participants commit (C) to maintain the forgiveness they experienced and extend it [23]. In the latter phase, participants develop cognitive-behavioral, emotional, or environmental control strategies to hold (H) or maintain forgiveness when they recall their hurt or anger [21,24].…”

“…Self-help interventions are the main treatments where the problems are causing moderate distress and access to qualified physicians is limited [26]. Sometimes, they are suggested as a complement to psychotherapy [23].…”

“…While these interventions have been successful in increasing forgiveness, the conditions for a study conducted at a university with credit, as compared to a completely voluntary community intervention, are different. Therefore, it was considered important to study the implementation of a voluntary, interactive, internet-based approach in a community adult sample [23].…”

“…Consequently, the calculation of the factors that predict persistence is crucial. Nation, Wertheim, and Worthington [23] completed the first study that examined the effectiveness of an online, self-managed intervention based on the REACH forgiveness model. Since many participants left before the program was completed, the predictors of persistence in the program were also examined.…”

“…Of these, 23 participants in the IT group and 13 in DT group completed the 7-hour REACH forgiveness modules and post-intervention evaluation. In total, 32 participants completed the 3-month follow-up [23].…”