Evaluation of an online self‐help version of the REACH forgiveness program: Outcomes and predictors of persistence in a community sample. Issue 6 (15th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nation, Jennifer A.; Wertheim, Eleanor H.; Worthington, Everett L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 74:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 819
• Page End: 838
• Publication Date: 2017-12-15
• Subjects: emotional forgiveness -- empathy -- forgiveness -- online treatment -- persistence; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22557
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: We evaluated outcomes of an online, self‐directed REACH forgiveness intervention for community‐based adults. Because many participants dropped out before program completion, predictors of program persistence were also examined. Method: Participants ( N = 130 adults, 122 female; mean age 48) completed pretreatment assessment and were randomized to immediate treatment (IT) or delayed treatment (DT). Twenty‐three IT and 13 DT participants completed the 7‐hour REACH forgiveness modules and postintervention assessment; 32 participants completed 3‐month follow‐up. Results: The IT group reported greater postintervention improvements in overall forgiveness and emotional forgiveness, as well as reductions in avoidance motivations with large effect sizes and, marginally, state empathy; but revenge motivations, decisional forgiveness, and well‐being indicators did not change. Most postintervention improvements were maintained at 3‐month follow‐up. In this online intervention, persistence was predicted by perspective taking, willingness to forgive the offender, and conscientiousness. Three‐month follow‐up supported maintenance of gains, particularly in overall and emotional forgiveness, and increases in trait forgiveness compared to pretreatment. Conclusion: An online self‐directed version of REACH forgiveness applied in a community sample has potential for improving forgiveness‐related responses, particularly those involving emotional forgiveness. However, methods to increase program persistence and target suitable recipients need development.