Sex, group composition, and the efficacy of group interventions to promote forgiveness.

Abstract

In an extension of a prior investigation of the efficacy of group treatments to promote forgiveness, the present study examined whether participant sex and group composition predicted forgiveness-related outcomes. Multilevel hierarchical regression analyses were used to analyze data from 144 participants who completed a 2-week, 6-hour group intervention. Women reported significantly more decreases in the desire for revenge when compared to men. Group composition also was related to outcome, such that the more men who were in a group, the more likely women were to diminish desires for revenge and the less likely men were to cultivate empathy for their offenders. Implications and directions for future research are offered.