Journal of Clinical Research & Bioethics

Abstract

Using Forgiveness as an Intervention for Healing in Women Who Experience Abuse

Gretchen Quenstedt-Moe

Forgiveness Education has been used effectively in psychology with many populations who have experienced betrayals. Most health care providers focus on the physical and some psycho-social aspects of the patient. However, including the patient's religious and spiritual beliefs and practices are often neglected. Most patients in America are religious with Christianity being the most frequent type. Health care providers need to treat and care for patients holistically. Including a patient's religious beliefs and practices in the plan of care can be beneficial to healing. Parish nurses can also use forgiveness education with female parishioners who experienced abuse. Discussion including the development of a new measure: the Christian Women's Forgiveness Measure is explored.