Abstract
A meta-analysis of the efficacy of forgiveness interventions in older adults was conducted. International databases (Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for studies published from 1990 to 2020 that attempted to promote forgiveness in older adults. Most intervention studies are group treatments targeted towards community-dwelling older adults. Participants in these studies are mainly women. The intervention objectives and contents vary widely and often criteria are not well-defined. Participants that received forgiveness interventions reported significantly higher levels of forgiveness than participants that did not receive treatment. Additionally, forgiveness interventions resulted in more changes in depression, stress and anger than no intervention conditions. Forgiveness treatment also enhances positive states (satisfaction with life, subjective happiness, and psychological wellbeing). The reported effects are moderate. The specific treatment model (e.g., Enright’s, Worthington’s) and format (e.g., group-based interventions and individually delivered programs) do not differentially predict better outcomes. In conclusion, future intervention studies should include more male participants and utilize a broader range of follow-up periods. Caution must be exercised because of the limited number of studies developed to date; researchers must be cautious when generalizing the results.
Highlights
IntroductionAcademic Editors: Michele Roccella and Frances Joy Kay-Lambkin
The number of participants can be considered small (n < 30) in four studies. Most of these interventions focus on healthy older adults to use adaptive forgiving skills, except for one study in which participants from one study had a confirmed diagnosis of terminal cancer with 6 months or less to live
As the first systematic review synthesizes the evidence of the effects of forgiveness intervention on older adults, we found that forgiveness treatments may have positive effects on older adults, with no occurrence of significant adverse events
Summary
Academic Editors: Michele Roccella and Frances Joy Kay-Lambkin. Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. The population in Western societies is getting older. Population aging is one of the greatest policy challenges. Many older adults have become an important source of financial and social support in current families [1]. Older adults are more likely to maintain their physical and mental health by remaining active and preserving their social life
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
