Research

Psychology of Forgiveness

One of my primary research interests is in a relatively new and growing area, the psychology of forgiveness. Although psychology has investigated aspects of interpersonal relationships for decades, investigations into the factors leading to and resulting from forgiveness have only recently been explored. My primary interest is in the application of interventions to help promote forgiveness. I have explored the effectiveness of different techniques for helping people overcome past hurts, most often in a group counseling format. I have also explored the differences between unforgiveness and forgiveness, effectiveness of forgiveness in actual therapy, and therapists' hesitation to use forgiveness in therapy. For the latter, see my research on Psychological Interventions.

Select Publications

Wade, N. G. & Worthington, E. L., Jr. (2003). Overcoming unforgiveness: Is forgiveness the only way to deal with unforgiveness? Journal of Counseling and Development, 81, 343 – 353.

Wade, N. G. & Worthington, E. L., Jr. (2005). In search of a common core: A content analysis of interventions to promote forgiveness. Psychotherapy, 42, 160-177.

Wade, N.G., Bailey, D.,* & Shaffer, P.* (2005). Helping clients heal: Does forgiveness make a difference? Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36, 634-641.

Wade, N.G., Johnson, C.V., & Meyer, J.E.* (2008). Understanding the concerns about the use of interventions to promote forgiveness in therapy: A review of the literature. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 45, 88 – 102.