Gender, group composition, and outcomes of group interventions to promote forgiveness: Replication and extension.

Abstract

This study is a replication and extension of the Wade and Goldman (2006) study that investigated gender composition and client outcomes in forgiveness intervention groups. Given the inconclusive findings in previous research in regard to the impact of gender and gender composition on group outcomes, this study addresses this gap in the literature by providing further insight into the effects of all-women's groups compared to mixed-gender groups as well as the effects of the gender composition in mixed-gender groups on group member outcomes in the context of a group forgiveness intervention. Method: This study analyzed data from a forgiveness intervention study that was previously published (Wade et al., 2018). In this study, we analyzed data from adult participants (n = 109) who were assigned to a forgiveness treatment group, focusing on the gender composition of the groups they attended. Results: Contrary to the Wade and Goldman's ( 2006) study, the levels of revenge and empathy were not associated with gender composition of the group. More men in a group was associated with greater rumination for both men and women participants; likewise, women in all-women's groups reported less rumination and psychological symptoms compared to women in mixed-gender groups. Conclusions: All-women's forgiveness groups may be a preferable option for adult clients. Future research should investigate the moderators of this effect and possible explanations for the lack of replication between the two studies. Highlights and Implications• This study suggests that women participants may do better in all-women's groups in the context of a group forgiveness intervention.• Contrary to previous findings, the results of this study suggest that participants may experience greater rumination in forgiveness intervention groups that have more men in them.• Future research is needed to further study and replicate the findings on gender composition in forgiveness groups.