Forgiveness as an Effective Total Behavior

Forgiveness as an Effective Total Behavior

Academic Unit

College of Education and Human Development

Publication Date

Spring 2019

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Choice theory emphasizes that all individuals have control over their own behavior and that empowerment comes from placing the responsibility for choice on the individual. Individuals lead healthy and productive lifestyles when they engage in effective behaviors which are characterized by positive choices. In this article the authors illustrate how the choice to forgive is an example of an effective behavior. The authors discuss the total behavior of forgiveness with its four components of action, thinking, feeling, and physiology. Finally, the authors describe how viewing forgiveness as an effective behavior and integrating forgiveness interventions in therapy adds to clients' overall well-being as they strive to meet the need for love and belonging and live healthy and productive lifestyles.

Journal Title

International Journal of Choice Theory and Reality Therapy

Volume

38

Issue

2

Forgiveness as an Effective Total Behavior

Share

COinS