A Review of Forgiveness Psychological Theory and Education Program

ABSTRACT

The current research has provided a review of developmental psychological theories and psycho-educational intervention studies of forgiveness, targeting children and adolescents. Forgiveness has been considered as a self-help process of healing psychological hurts and proved to be effective in recovering self-esteem and health. The current study presented definitions of forgiveness, developmental stages of forgiveness reasoning, and two models of forgiveness psychological processes. Along with key elements and characteristics of forgiveness interventions, prior and ongoing studies of forgiveness interventions with youths were presented and their effectiveness was analyzed. Finally, several topics and issues awaiting future studies were discussed.