Concluding Thoughts: Summary and Integration, Models, and Research Agendas

Abstract

In the concluding chapter of this book, we consider the emergent themes arising from the different research teams and also focus on the key questions we identified at the outset. As such, we examine both commonalities and differences in how forgiveness is defined. We observe that there is considerable agreement about the multidimensional nature of forgiveness but that some dimensions have less well developed research bases than do others. We note that the stress-and-coping model of forgiveness is a commonly used conceptual framework from which to organize and guide continuing research in the area of forgiveness and health. Other useful models are developed throughout the book, and we offer a reciprocal-effects forgiveness-intersections model as a flexible model for the area. We conclude with items we believe are important for research agendas of investigators moving forward in the study of forgiveness and health.