Abstract for "The effect of forgiveness training on psychosocial factors in college age adults," by Luskin, Ginzburg, & Thoresen, (in press):

This randomized controlled study evaluated the efficacy of a combination of rational-emotive group therapy with the emotional refocusing techniques from The Institute of HeartMath in promoting forgiveness and related psychosocial factors. Fifty five students who had identified an unresolved interpersonal hurt volunteered to be randomly assigned to an intervention or wait list condition. Outcome variables were measured at Pre-test, Post-test, and at 10 weeks Follow-up. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in their tendency to forgive, willingness to forgive the transgressor, level of hurt, anger, perceived self-efficacy, hope, and spiritual growth. The implications of these findings are discussed.