Date

5-6-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis explores the practice of forgiveness and forgiveness therapy and its implications for social work practice and education. An extensive literature review discusses the history, present uses, and benefits of forgiveness therapy, exploring real-world examples of forgiveness in practice, specifically macro examples relating to generational trauma including the national apology in Australia, and the truth and reconciliation commission in South Africa. The review will also touch upon trauma informed practice and the gaps related to the concept of diversity in professional and scholarly literature. This work utilizes grounded theory, using the extensive literature review to build upon the applications of forgiveness in social work practice, and therefore identifying need in social work education. A survey, An Exploration of Social Workers’ Perceptions of Forgiveness in their Education and Professional Practice was developed to examine social work practitioners and educators to see if there is a potential need or perceived benefit for forgiveness education, or a perceived need of forgiveness applications in social work practice. The survey allows us to explore the standards, ethics, and competencies to identify a perceived gap in research regarding using forgiveness in social work. This body of research will speak to implications of forgiveness and forgiveness therapy in social work practice and education.

Department

Social Work

Thesis Comittee

Dr. David O'Malley, Thesis Advisor
Dr. Taylor Hall, Committee Member
Dr. Beverly Lovett, Committee Member

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Included in

Social Work Commons

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