We invite you to participate as a researcher for finding and adding resources on transformational change.   This is a dynamic tool for you to add information you find to your FW 311 individual group's wiki as you do research for class projects (click on the "Sidebar" located on the right in the "View" mode--select the appropriate Class Wiki).  We encourage you to share not only titles (for example, the citation of a journal article, a book, a blog, or title of a digital media stream), but also the places you found the resources and the search strategies you found useful, as we have in the links below. Students will post to the topic areas on the sidebar located on the right.

Required Assignment Materials:

Borysenko, J. (1993). Guilt is the Teacher, Love is the Lesson. New York: Warner Boks, 174-187.

Borysenko Forgiveness Process.pdf

Waltman, M.A., Russell, D.C., Coyle, C.T., Enright, R.D., Holter, A.C., & Swoboda, C.M. (2009). The Effects of a Forgiveness Intervention on Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. Psychology and Health, 24(1), 11-27. 

forgiveness and CAD.pdf

Egan, L,A. & Todorov, N. (2009). Forgiveness as a Coping Strategy to Allow School Students to Deal With The Effects of Being Bullied: Theorietical and Empirical Discussion. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 28(2), 198-222.

forgiveness and bullying.pdf

Forgiveness and the Freedom of Letting go. (June 12, 2007) Watch this video at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D4VMZb8wLY

Supplementary Resource Materials:

Book section:

Borysenko, J. & Borysenko, M (1994). The Power of the Mind to Heal.  Carson, California: Hay House.

The Power of the Mind to Heal.pdf

Articles:

Wohl, M., DeShea, L., & Wahkinney, R. L. (2008). Looking Within: Measuring State Self-Forgiveness and Its Relationship to Psychological Well-Being, Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 40 (1),1-10. Abstract: Although considerable empirical attention has recently focused on forgiveness, less work has been done on examining self-forgiveness. A major stumbling block for self-forgiveness research has been the lack of a measure to assess self-forgiveness for specific transgressions. This article reports the development of the State Self-Forgiveness Scales and the test of a model of self-forgiveness' relation to psychological well-being in the context of the unwanted end of a romantic relationship. In Study 1, factor analysis revealed a 2-factor structure to the self-forgiveness data. Study 2 found that self-blame predicted depressive affect to the extent that participants forgave the self. The implications of state self-forgiveness for both basic research and therapy are discussed.

To read the Full Text, click on PDF Full Text on this page.

Cioni, P. F. (2007). Forgiveness, Cognitive Restructuring and Object Transformation. Journal of Religion & Health, 46 (3), 385-397.

Abstract: Forgiveness is described as a process that includes (1) re-constructing cognitions about the offender and self and (2) re-imaging the offender and re-experiencing self and violator. Object relations theory can help to show that the violated individual’s conflict is within as the person struggles inwardly with hostile images (object-representations) during the process of forgiveness. Cognitive structuring points to the crucial importance of choice to help initiate the forgiveness process. Within the context of forgiveness as a therapeutic process, cognitive restructuring and object transformation can promote the client’s psychological health and well-being. It is proposed that forgiveness is a spiritual as well as a psychological process, which includes grace-filled choices and behavior.

To read the Full Text, click on the PDF Full Text link on this page.

Rye, M.S & Pargament, K.I. (2002). Forgiveness and Romantic Relationships in College: Can It Heal the Wounded Heart? Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(4), 419-441. Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of two versions of a six-week group forgiveness intervention for college women who had been wronged in a romantic relationship. Participants (N = 58) were randomly assigned to a secular, religiously integrated, or no-intervention comparison condition. Participants completed a variety of forgiveness and mental health measures at one-week pretest, one-week posttest, and six-week follow-up. Participants in both intervention conditions improved significantly more than did those in the comparison condition on two measures of forgiveness and a measure of existential well-being. Program effects were maintained at six-week follow-up. Contrary to hypotheses, there were no differential treatment effects when comparing participants in the secular and the religiously integrated conditions. Participants generally rated the programs favorably. Forgiveness strategies utilized by participants also were examined.
To read the full text click on the PDF link on this page.

forgiveness and healing article.pdf 

Media:

Forgiveness Holistic Radio

Forgiveness Radio is a series of programs that looks at Forgiveness as the key to unlocking the doors in your life that keep you seperated from your good. The program covers every aspect of forgiveness from the standpoint of Your being one with the Divine plan for your life. by utilizing the gifts that you have already been given.

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/holisticlifestylesradio/2011/03/01/forgiveness-radio-dr-ryce

http://podcast.com/

Caroline Myss Lecture Why People Don't Heal Excerpt. YouTube. (9:53). How to heal through Forgiveness.  To view entire video click here.

Videos you can check out of the Cline Library:

The three levels of power and how to use them [videorecording] / with Caroline Myss ; directed and produced by Tony Greco ; producer, Patricia Friedman ; Inner Dimension ; a production of Mountain Drive Productions Wellspring Media ; New York, N.Y. : Distributed by WinStar TV & Video, 2000, 1998.  70 minutes. VHS format. VT 7646. Summary: Caroline Myss provides insights about health and healing. Discusses how the three levels of power (external, internal, and symbolic) and the seven energy centers in the body relate to one another and the role that honor, faith, and forgiveness play in the transformation from illness to health.

Why people don't heal [videorecording] : and how they can / Inner Dimension ; a production of Mountain Drive Productions, Faust Entertainment Corp., Cinemedia Corporation, in association with Public Broadcasting Service ... [et al.] ; directed and produced by Tony Greco ; producer, Patricia Friedman. [S.l.] : Wellspring Media ; New York, N.Y. : Distributed by WinStar TV and Video, 2000. 76 minutes. VHS format. VT 7645. Summary: Dr. Myss helps people understand the emotional, psychological, and physical reasons that our bodies develop illnesses. In this video, she share insights gained over 15 years as a pioneer in the field of energy medicine and human consciousness. Includes the power of forgiveness.

Student Submission for Practice Summary Applications:

Practice of Forgiveness

The practice of forgiveness has been very difficult to me throughout my life partly because I am not religious and this is a common staple in religion.  That being said, in previous years I haven’t been the most educated on the concept of forgiveness and what is has to offer.  Through this course and my practice of forgiveness I have learned that this is something I can and should partake in if for no other reason than my health.  I have learned that forgiveness exudes many health benefits but of most importance to me is that of peace of mind, and the release of pent up pain, stress, and anger.  I have already mended one friendship through this short practice and I will continue use this practice throughout my life.  Both of these personal applications are the most important to me and I offer them openly for others in the hopes of reaching the same peace, release, and mending of relationships that I have experienced through this practice.  A professional practice of forgiveness could be to forgive your boss at work when they make decisions that seem to be disagreeable like making you stay late, change shifts altogether, or relocate where you are located in your department.  Instead of begrudging this person, try to understand their perspective and what they have to do to fill the responsibilities of their job.  This will promote a positive and healthy work environment, at least for you, even if you do not agree with the decisions they make.  Another professional application of forgiveness could be if you were passed up for a promotion for any number of foreseeable reasons.  It would be in your best interests to try and place the situation and the facts in perspective for your own understanding, but not to act in a harsh or emotional manner.  It would be best to try and find a way to forgive whoever was in charge of making the decision in order to keep your sanity particularly while at work.  Finding a way to forgive this person and deciding to take a higher road in working even harder to show your worth is much more admirable than acting in a harshly negative manner.  (Alex Schepis)