The Effect of Forgiveness Psychoeducation on Forgiveness, Self-Compassion and Death Anxiety in Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of forgiveness psychoeducation on forgiveness, self-compassion and death anxiety in cancer patients. A randomized controlled experimental design with pre-test, post-test and one month follow-up was used. The study sample consisted of 28 cancer patients (experimental: 14, control: 14). Data were collected using a personal information form, the Forgiveness Scale, the Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Death Anxiety Scale. The results showed that the experimental group had significantly higher post-test and follow-up mean scores for forgiveness and self-compassion compared to the control group (p < .05). In addition, the post-test and follow-up mean scores for death anxiety were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < .05). The study concluded that forgiveness psychoeducation increases forgiveness and self-compassion and reduces death anxiety in cancer patients. Based on these results, it is recommended that forgiveness psychoeducation programmes be implemented.