Anthony C. Holter

The effects of a forgiveness intervention on patients with coronary artery disease

This research assesses the effects of a psychology of forgiveness pilot study on anger-recall stress induced changes in myocardial perfusion, forgiveness and related variables. Thirty-two patients were administered baseline rest and anger-recall stress imaging studies, and 17 of these participants who demonstrated anger-recall stress induced myocardial perfusion defects (forgiveness group, n = 9; control group, n = 8) were randomly assigned to a series of 10 weekly interpersonal forgiveness or control therapy sessions with a trained psychologist, and underwent additional anger-recall stress myocardial perfusion nuclear imaging studies post-test and at 10-week follow-up. Patients assigned to the forgiveness group showed significantly fewer anger-recall induced myocardial perfusion defects from pre-test to the 10-week follow-up as well as significantly greater gains in forgiveness from pre-test to post-test and from pre-test to follow-up compared to the control group. Forgiveness intervention may be an effective means of reducing anger-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease.

Treating Adult Children of Alcoholics Through Forgiveness Therapy

This study examined two forms of group therapy for adult children of alcoholics; a forgiveness intervention was compared to a conflict resolution intervention. Twelve adults were randomly assigned to the treatment conditions and completed the 12-week interventions. At the end of 12 weeks, the conflict resolution group received the forgiveness intervention whereas the original forgiveness group received no further treatment. Measures of forgiveness, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger, and positive relationships were administered before and after each intervention. Both groups showed significant psychological improvements suggesting forgiveness therapy is a viable option for adult children of alcoholics. The therapeutic implications are discussed.

What are they Saying about Catholic Schools? Discourse on PK-12 Catholic Education, 2005 to 2010

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of research conducted on Catholic schools and Catholic education during the period 2005 to 2010. The authors proffer both summary and critique, identifying emerging patterns and trends. Recommendations for future research are also included. The breadth and depth of recent research on Catholic education is instructive to educational policy leaders, private school administrators, church officials, and parents.