Forgiveness as a method of the fourth wave of behaviour therapy

Abstract

Abstract Forgiveness is increasingly attracting attention as a psychotherapeutic intervention for people who feel trapped in past-oriented brooding loops regarding injuries they suffered or caused and the associated experience of a seemingly unchangeable victim role (possible intervention: interpersonal forgiveness) or perpetrator role (possible intervention: intrapersonal forgiveness). Since the concept of forgiveness still has the echo of a spiritual and metaphysical act for many people, in this article we will discuss why it is justified to understand the process of active forgiveness as a method of the fourth wave of behaviour therapy. In addition to looking at the forgiveness process, special attention will be given to the psycho-evolutionary view of forgiveness, as well as looking at the neural basis of the process in overview.