Forgiveness as a Therapeutic Approach and a Factor in Everyday Life: Methods of Research and Means of Enhancing

Forgiveness, traditionally rooted in religious beliefs and theology, has evolved into a significant psychological concept, influencing mental health and well-being. While religion emphasizes forgiveness as a spiritual mandate, modern psychological research explores its therapeutic value, focusing on self-forgiveness and its efficacy in addressing depression, anger, and trauma. Tools such as Enright Forgiveness Inventory are the breaking ground for research and interventions; REACH method, and Unconditional Forgiveness Method demonstrate how forgiveness can enhance emotional resilience and personal growth. Furthermore, the cultural, educational, and familial modeling of forgiveness plays a pivotal role in shaping individual’s capacity to forgive. The integration of forgiveness into psychotherapy highlights its potential to reconcile emotions, foster hope, and improve life satisfaction across diverse contexts. However, challenges such as misconceptions and cultural attitudes require further exploration to maximize forgiveness’s benefits in therapeutic and societal applications.