Utilizing Forgiveness Therapy to Heal the Negative Sequelae of Polygamous Family Structure Among Bedouin-Arabs: A Case Study of Treatment When the Injuring Party is Absent

Abstract

This article highlights the use of forgiveness therapy to treat the negative developmental and behavioral sequelae of growing up within a polygamous family. Theoretical perspectives on polygamous family structure within Bedouin-Arab society, as well as an introduction to forgiveness and forgiveness therapy, are presented. A case study of the application of forgiveness therapy with an Israeli Bedouin-Arab points to the relevance of this therapeutic approach for individuals wounded by childhood experiences associated with polygamous family structure. Walton’s forgiveness therapy model, which facilitates an interpersonal forgiveness process without the participation of the injuring party, is utilized. The contraindications and limitations of forgiveness therapy, and the implications of this therapeutic modality for practitioners, as well as additional research directions are outlined.