Forgiveness Theory, Research, and Practice

Bringing together a distinguished array of contributors, this volume r eviews the breadth of current knowledge on the psychology of forgivene ss.The first section provides a historical and conceptual overview, ex amining definitional problems and giving special attention to religiou s and cultural influences on how forgiveness is understood and experie nced. The biological, developmental, social, and personality foundatio ns of forgiveness are then explored. The final section covers applicat ions in clinical research and practice, including guidelines for study ing and applying forgiveness-based strategies in psychotherapy, counse ling, and interventions to promote health.

Michael E. McCullough, PhD, is Director of Research at the National Institute for Healthcare Research in Rockville, Maryland. The author or coauthor of two previous books, Dr. McCullough investigates forgiveness, the association of religion and spirituality with physical and mental health, and the influence of religion and spirituality on counseling, psychotherapy, and care at the end of life.

Kenneth I. Pargament, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at Bowling Green State University, where he is also Director of Clinical Training of the clinical psychology PhD program. He has published extensively in the psychology of religion, stress, and coping, and is the author of The Psychology of Religion and Coping.

Carl E. Thoresen, PhD, is Professor of Education, Psychology, and Psychiatry/Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. His research interests involve assessment and management of the Type A behavior pattern, greater methodological diversity in behavioral health/medicine research, and the role of spiritual and religious factors in health, broadly defined. He is the author of 7 books and over 150 articles and book chapters.