Formation and Development of Psychology of Forgiveness in the United States: An Overview

We provide an overview of studies of the phenomenon of forgiveness in modern American psychology. We discuss the works of the leaders of this area: Robert Enright, Everett Worthington, Michael McCullough and others. The features of the American approach in psychology of forgiveness are close connection with the psychology of religion, focus on practical problems of psychotherapy and counseling, interdisciplinary research. Over three decades, a theoretical model of forgiveness and forgiveness research methodology (Enright questionnaire) have been developed, as well as several models of therapy, educational programs for teaching forgiveness to children and teenagers, peace reconciliation programs in the areas of ethnic and religious conflicts. On different samples of subjects, the healing effects of forgiveness on the psychological state have been proven (decreased feelings of resentment, anger and revenge), and positive correlation of forgiveness and altruism, the ability to gratitude, relationship satisfaction, improved physical well-being (stabilized blood pressure, boosted immune system) were reported.

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