Showing papers by "Everett L. Worthington published in 2018"

The multicultural orientation framework: A narrative review.

Abstract: After several decades of slow progress, researchers are beginning to make advances in linking constructs based on the multicultural competencies tradition-especially those focused on qualities of the therapist-to therapy outcomes. The multicultural orientation framework was developed in response to several trends within the multicultural competencies tradition, with a particular emphasis on integrating the multicultural competencies tradition into research on psychotherapy process. We provide a narrative review of studies that include one of the three constructs (i.e., cultural humility, cultural opportunities, and cultural comfort) articulated by the multicultural orientation framework. Results indicate initial evidence linking multicultural orientation constructs to therapy outcomes (e.g., perceived improvement, racial/ethnic disparities in termination, and therapy alliance). Results also supported the social bond and social oil hypotheses from theorizing on humility. Implications for future research and therapy practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Development of the Self-Forgiveness Dual-Process Scale.

Abstract: Progress in the scientific study of self-forgiveness reveals a need for (a) integration of the extant self-forgiveness literature with general psychological theory, (b) development of measures that reflect nuanced conceptualizations of self-forgiveness, (c) better understanding of the impact of self-forgiveness on personal and interpersonal functioning, and (d) development of evidence-based clinical applications of self-forgiveness. Accordingly, we conceptualized self-forgiveness within the framework of Social Cognitive Theory and developed the Self-Forgiveness Dual-Process Scale to assess value reorientation (VRO) and esteem restoration (ERS) following perceived interpersonal offense. In Study 1, we identified the hypothesized 2-factor structure in a sample of university students (N = 191). For Study 2, we used an independent sample (N = 100) to replicate the factor structure and provide initial evidence of construct validity by exploring associations of value reorientation and esteem restoration with established measures of self-forgiveness, self-punishment, and self-exoneration. In Study 3, we recruited a third sample (N = 66) to assess contributions of value reorientation and esteem restoration to explain variance in offense-related rumination beyond that explained by an existing measure of state self-forgiveness. Overall, findings supported conceptualization of self-forgiveness according to processes of value reorientation and esteem restoration, distinguished self-forgiveness from other responses to wrongdoing, and revealed the unique impacts of value reorientation and esteem restoration on functioning. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Forgiveness Working: Forgiveness, Health, and Productivity in the Workplace:

Abstract: Purpose:Associations between forgiveness and health promotion in the workplace were examined as mediating effects of workplace interpersonal stress.Design:Cross-sectional.Setting:Multiple Washingto...

Promoting forgiveness: Characteristics of the treatment, the clients, and their interaction.

Abstract: Forgiveness-based group treatments to address interpersonal hurts have been shown to be efficacious across a range of therapy models (Wade, Hoyt, Kidwell, & Worthington, 2014). However, little is known about how treatment and individual characteristics may interact in predicting outcomes. The present study examined a sample of 162 community adults randomly assigned to three treatment conditions; an 8-week REACH Forgiveness intervention (Worthington, 2006), an 8-week process group, and a waitlist control. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) indicated that the forgiveness-based treatment was more effective than the waitlist control across a range of forgiveness-related constructs but no more effective than the process condition. Furthermore, attachment avoidance and anxiety interacted with treatment type to predict certain outcomes, indicating that the REACH Forgiveness model may be more helpful for promoting forgiveness with insecurely attached individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record

Cultivating humility in religious leaders: The effectiveness of a spiritually integrated positive psychology intervention.

Abstract: This quasi-experimental study investigated how effective a spiritually integrated, partner-interactive positive psychology intervention (PPI) was in promoting religious leaders’ humility and life satisfaction. Seventy-one Christian pastors and lay leaders self-selected to the waitlist-control (n = 30) or humility-PPI condition (n = 41). Humility-PPI participants completed a 16-exercise workbook with a partner. Intervention effectiveness was assessed using self- and other-report measures. Hypotheses were not supported, in that there was no evidence that intervention participants exhibited greater gains in life satisfaction or in trait, relational, spiritual, or intellectual humility, compared with control participants. Postintervention feedback suggested participants varied in their preferences for specific types of exercises (e.g., insight-oriented, reflective exercises vs. action-oriented, interactive exercises). Self- and other-report ratings showed increased correlation between self- and other-report measures at Time 2 on relational humility measures, thereby giving evidence that the intervention may have been effective in helping participants become more “accurate” in their perceptions of their own relational humility. There is a need for more research on humility PPIs, and the present study indicated primarily null results. More broadly, there is a need for research evaluating PPIs that (a) are tailored to participants’ characteristics or preferences, (b) use a partner-interactive format and a self- and other-report measurement approach, (c) are developed in collaboration with pastors and scientists, (d) are spiritually integrated, (e) are developed for use in faith communities, and (f) focus on leadership development.

Actor–partner interdependence of humility and relationship quality among couples transitioning to parenthood

Abstract: The transition to parenthood is a challenging experience that often strains relationships, but perceiving one’s partner as humble (actor relational humility) and being perceived by one’s partner as humble (partner relational humility) were hypothesized to benefit couples during this transition. Married couples (N = 69) were tracked from the third trimester of pregnancy through 21 months postpartum. Husbands and wives provided ratings of relational humility and dyadic adjustment. Actor–partner interdependence models tested actor and partner effects of relational humility on dyadic adjustment across the transition. Although couples declined in dyadic adjustment over the transition at the same rate regardless of relational humility (counter to Hypothesis 2), those higher in relational humility reported greater dyadic adjustment at each time point during the transition (consistent with Hypothesis 1). These findings support the benefits of relational humility to relationship quality, and we call for fu...

Evaluation of an online self-help version of the REACH forgiveness program: Outcomes and predictors of persistence in a community sample.

Abstract: Objective We evaluated outcomes of an online, self-directed REACH forgiveness intervention for community-based adults. Because many participants dropped out before program completion, predictors of program persistence were also examined. Method Participants (N = 130 adults, 122 female; mean age 48) completed pretreatment assessment and were randomized to immediate treatment (IT) or delayed treatment (DT). Twenty-three IT and 13 DT participants completed the 7-hour REACH forgiveness modules and postintervention assessment; 32 participants completed 3-month follow-up. Results The IT group reported greater postintervention improvements in overall forgiveness and emotional forgiveness, as well as reductions in avoidance motivations with large effect sizes and, marginally, state empathy; but revenge motivations, decisional forgiveness, and well-being indicators did not change. Most postintervention improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. In this online intervention, persistence was predicted by perspective taking, willingness to forgive the offender, and conscientiousness. Three-month follow-up supported maintenance of gains, particularly in overall and emotional forgiveness, and increases in trait forgiveness compared to pretreatment. Conclusion An online self-directed version of REACH forgiveness applied in a community sample has potential for improving forgiveness-related responses, particularly those involving emotional forgiveness. However, methods to increase program persistence and target suitable recipients need development.

How do mentally tough athletes overcome self-directed anger, shame, and criticism? A self-forgiveness mediation analysis

Abstract: In this study, we examined associations among mental toughness, negative emotions and cognition, and self-forgiveness. A sample of 343 competitive tennis players (Mage = 17.56, SD = 2.37) completed questionnaires measuring their tendency to experience shame, anger, and criticism towards themselves, along with mental toughness and self-forgivingness. Mental toughness correlated negatively with self-oriented shame, anger, and criticism, and positively with self-forgivingness. The effect of mental toughness on both shame and anger towards the self was fully mediated by self-forgiveness, whereas self-forgiveness partially mediated the effect for self-criticism. The findings support the role of self-forgiveness as a mediator in reducing or eliminating self-condemning, resentful, and devaluing responses that athletes direct towards themselves. Developers of mental toughness interventions might consider incorporating a self-forgiveness component to help athletes who make mistakes, underperform, or experience defeats.

Trait forgiveness and dyadic adjustment predict postnatal depression

Abstract: The birth of a first child can be stressful on intimate partner relationships and the women having their first child. Conflict can occur, and hurts might be experienced, which could lead to post-partum depression. Thus, capacity for forgiveness with specific hurts might affect post-partum depression. We investigated women having their first child (N = 52), and examined whether dyadic adjustment, trait forgiveness, and situational forgiving during pregnancy predicted postpartum depression. This study found that marital forgiveness predicted lower levels of depression above and beyond the effects of general dyadic adjustment. Dyadic adjustment and trait forgiveness predicted postpartum depression while situational forgiving was mixed. Postpartum depression researchers are encouraged to consider the inclusion of positive psychology variables, such as forgiveness, in future research studies.

Spelling HUMBLE with U and ME: The role of perceived humility in intimate partner relationships

Abstract: Humility predicts relationship satisfaction, partially mediated by commitment, in college students. The present study tested this mediation in a non-college sample of participants who have been in exclusive relationships for at least three months (N = 349). We supported a partial mediation model in predicting relationship satisfaction (Hypothesis 1). After controlling for commitment, accurate view of self was the most important factor in predicting relational satisfaction (Hypothesis 2). A simultaneous meditational analysis revealed that perceived humility predicted relationship satisfaction, mediated by gratitude in relationships (Hypothesis 3). A multiple regression analysis revealed that after controlling for personal virtues, perceiving humility in one’s partner predicted additional variance in relational satisfaction (Hypothesis 4). Our study provided support for a mediational model, but do not allow causal inferences because of cross-sectional design. Thus, we recommend that future studies i...

Negative Interpersonal Interactions and Dating Abuse Perpetration: The Mediating Role of Dispositional Forgivingness.

Abstract: Theory and research suggest that an individual's negative interactions with his or her parents or romantic partner are associated with the perpetration of dating abuse. Research is beginning to explore the role of forgivingness within abusive romantic relationships, and these preliminary findings suggest that dispositional forgivingness might mediate the relations between negative interpersonal interactions and dating abuse. The current study assessed negative interactions with one's parents and one's romantic partner, the frequency of dating abuse perpetration, and dispositional forgivingness of others and oneself among a sample of emerging adults in college ( n = 421). Dispositional forgivingness of others was negatively associated with the perpetration of emotional/verbal dating abuse and threatening behaviors, and it mediated relations between negative interpersonal interactions and dating abuse perpetration. Our findings suggest that the tendency to forgive others may explain why some individuals who experience negative interpersonal interactions with parents or romantic partners do not escalate to perpetration of abuse within their romantic relationships. Implications for future research and application are discussed.