Tagged: “break free from the past”

Suffering, you say, makes us stronger. In my opinion, children should not have to suffer. Instead, they should be protected from harm. What are your thoughts?

I’m not saying that we should look for pain so that we can get stronger. My thesis, however, is that we often grow as individuals as a result of suffering and unfair treatment. For instance, as we suffer, we grow more perceptive of other people’s pain. Here is a crucial difference between what I just said and what I believe you’re saying: Even adults who experience abuse and suffering must find a safe haven.  Being strong does not mean you should overlook the need to take every precaution. Therefore, while they suffer, both adults and children must be kept safe. Additionally, both may become stronger as they endure hardship. It is possible to become stronger and safer at the same time.

I am considering conducting a research study with women who have been in unsuccessful marriages. Could you point me in the direction of any existing research in this area?

Yes, we have two published journal articles in which women, in unsuccessful marriages, learned to forgive with good mental health outcomes.  The references are as follows:

Reed, G. & Enright, R.D. (2006).  The effects of forgiveness therapy on depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress for women after spousal emotional abuse.  Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74, 920-929.

Nisar, S., Yu, L., Ifikhar, R., & Enright, R.D. (2025). Forgiveness therapy to build hope and reduce anxiety and depression in battered women in Pakistan. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cpp.70089

Dr. Enright’s forgiveness presentations encourage communities in Greece and Israel

Dr. Robert Enright

In May and June, 2025, Robert Enright presented two talks on forgiveness, one in Greece and one in Israel, both by Zoom:

Enright, R.D. (2025, May 7). Forgiveness for the common good in communities.  Presented to educators in Greece through Zoom.

Enright, R.D. (2025, June 12).  Forgiveness for emotional healing.  Presented to researchers and research participants in Israel through Zoom.

Could it be that forgiveness does not “work” for some people because they do not experience any relief?  I am kind of feeling this way toward my boss.  He is too abrupt with me.

When this occurs, I suggest: 1) allowing the person more time to forgive; if that doesn’t work, 2) attempting to see whether the one who acted unjustly reminds you of someone else who needs your forgiveness. For instance, is it possible that your struggle to forgive your boss is related to your unforgiveness of someone else?  For example, is it possible that you have issues with forgiveness towards your father?  If so, then I advise you to first forgive your father. Your resentment toward your father then does not interfere with your ability to forgive the boss when you turn your attention to it.  This is just an example, as I am unsure if you have any issues with your father that require your forgiveness.

July 17 Marks a Day of Forgiveness in the Face of Cruel Execution Over 230 Years Ago

Photo by Studio Saiz, Pexels.com

On July 17, 1794, and as part of the French Revolution, 16 Carmelite nuns were martyred at the guillotine in Paris. As she was facing death, one of the sisters, Sister Mary of Jesus Crucified, proclaimed, “I forgive you, my friends. I forgive you with all that longing of heart with which I would that God forgive me!” All of the sisters now are known as the Martyrs of Compiègne. Pope St. Pius X beatified all of these heroic sisters on May 27, 1906.