Efficacy of Forgiveness Therapy in Reducing Aggression and Promoting Forgiveness in Male Juvenile in Tehran Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre

Background and purpose: Juvenile delinquency is increasing in many countries including Iran. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of forgiveness therapy in reducing aggression and enhancing forgiveness in adolescent boys in Tehran Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre. Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study included pretest-posttest with control group. The research population consisted of all adolescent boys attending Tehran Correctional and Rehabilitation Centre in 2012. (almost 300 persons). Thirty accessible individuals were randomly selected and divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group attended ten sessions of forgiveness therapy while the control group received no intervention. STAXI-2 and TRIM questionnaires were completed by subjects as pretest and posttest. Data was analysed performing MANOVA. Results: In this study forgiveness therapy based on Enright's process model, reduced aggression and promoted forgiveness in experimental group. Conclusion: Forgiveness therapy either alone or alongside other treatments could improve mental health, thereby reducing many unwanted consequences.