The functions of anger and forgiveness: Guidelines for psychotherapy with victims.

Abstract

Discussions of anger and forgiveness rarely address the difficulties of the victim. In this article, the relationship of trauma to resulting anger is discussed, guidelines are presented for possible victim forgiving, and anger-forgiveness is placed in the context of the ego state model.Much of the writing and theory on anger has been concerned with the frustrations and conflicts associated with ordinary situations. Accordingly, cognitive therapists (e.g., Beck, 1976;Ellis, 1976;Novaco, 1986) encourage patients to monitor and modify behaviors and underlying cognitions so that they do not make themselves unnecessarily angry. Similarly, perhaps as a parallel to the increased emphasis on "healing" in psychological and self-help circles, forgiveness is encouraged as a necessary aspect to growth (e.g., Coleman, 1989; Fitzgibbons, 1986;Hope, 1987;Whitfield, 1987). On the other hand, such writers as Perls (1969), Maltz andHolman (1987), and even Freud (1963) insist that the acknowledgement and expression of anger is crucial. Part of the discrepancy in approaches to anger no doubt has to do with the differing goals of various therapeutic orientations, part probably is a reflection of how "anger" is differentially defined, and part has to do with the populations for whom treatment is being proposed. As Hare-Mustin (1986, p. 23) said, "For every problem there is a solution that is simple, elegant, and wrong." Treating all patients who have difficulties with anger with the same

Forgiveness and romantic relationships in college: Can it heal the wounded heart?

“…Victims of wrongdoing also frequently experience feelings of anger and hostility toward the wrongdoer. While anger can have adaptive functions, such as helping victims disengage from relationships that have caused pain (Davenport, 1991) and enhancing feelings of control (Novaco, 1976), it also can become maladaptive. For instance, hostility commonly is associated with physical problems (Barefoot, Dahlstrom, & Williams, 1983).…”

Pharmacy Students' Perceptions and Emotional Responses to Aggressive Incidents in Pharmacy Practice

“…Instructors in social work and psychology use patients' anger to understand their experiences and to help them heal 15 and address how to manage anger as part of students' training. However, in pharmacy education, educators still ignore the role anger plays in patient care, overcoming barriers to treatment goals and pharmacists' safety.…”

“…In this model, the provider lectures the patient, giving instructions that represent the provider's beliefs, with little or no regard for the patient's concerns or perceptions. 15 Though well intentioned, paternalism systematically takes control away from the patient, and generally results in resentment. 16 Consequently, the patient exercises personal decisions about treatment that may be contrary to the provider's instructions, possibly with dangerous consequences.…”

The use of a decision‐based forgiveness intervention within intergenerational family therapy

“…Ironically, the victims become their own offenders as they stew in unresolved resentments that can lead to deterioration in their physical health, emotional stability, cognitive functioning, behavioural responses and spiritual well-being. A common belief among some therapists is that victims benefit from anger, and attempts to remove it too quickly can disempower the victim (Devenport, 1991). The approach here takes a different path, where victims become empowered when they make cognitive choices that promote harmony in their relationships, peace within themselves and, for believing clients, serenity with God.…”