Abstract
The present pilot research examined Restore: The Journey to Self-Forgiveness—an online self-forgiveness curriculum—to evaluate its effectiveness in improving levels of self-forgiveness, related positive psychological traits/states, and mental health. Study 1 (N = 66) was a single-group and Study 2 (N = 34) was a two-group design. Pre- and postmeasures included self-forgiveness, self-blame, self-compassion, negative and positive affect, benefit finding, psychological distress, optimism, pessimism, hope, and gratitude. Results suggest that the online self-forgiveness curriculum was effective in promoting self-forgiveness, related positive psychological traits/states, and mental health. Future studies using larger, more diverse, and randomized samples should be pursued.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Loren Toussaint
Loren L. Toussaint ([email protected]) is professor of psychology at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He directs the Laboratory for the Investigation of Mind, Body, and Spirit, and studies forgiveness, health, and well-being.
Karen Lockett Neal
Karen L. Neal ([email protected]) is associate professor of psychology at Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, NC. Her primary area of research interest is social and moral development.
Michael Barry
Michael Barry ([email protected]) is the director of pastoral care emeritus from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. His primary interest is forgiveness education with underprivileged youth and adults.