A randomized controlled trial of a forgiveness intervention program with female acid attack survivors in Pakistan

Abstract

Despite the traumatic effects of acid violence on its victims, treatment options are very limited. The present study was aimed at examining the efficacy of a forgiveness intervention with female survivors of acid attack violence in Pakistan. Female acid attack victims in Pakistan were randomized to either a forgiveness group (n = 8) or a treatment‐as‐usual (TAU; n = 8) control group. The forgiveness group received twice‐a‐week forgiveness sessions for 4 months, whereas the TAU group either received typical psychological treatment sessions for acid attack victims or no treatment. All participants were assessed on their levels of forgiveness, anger, anxiety, depression, and hope four times prior to the 4‐month intervention period, twice after the intervention period, and once at the 1‐year follow‐up. Posttreatment, the forgiveness intervention group showed greater improvement in hope, anger, anxiety, and depression when compared with the TAU group. Upon further examinations, both groups improved on forgiveness from pretreatment to posttreatment, but the forgiveness group had a higher baseline. From pretreatment to the 12‐month follow‐up, the forgiveness group, when compared with the TAU group, showed greater improvement in all areas except for depression. This is the first study that examined the effects of a forgiveness intervention for acid attack victims in Pakistan. Results showing the improvement posttreatment as well as over a 1‐year period posttreatment are encouraging.

A Medical-Legal and Psychological Systematic Review on Vitriolage Related to Gender-Based Violence

“…The risk and vulnerability factors that increase the likelihood that acts of violence against women will occur by using acid, or otherwise chemical and/or corrosive substances, are numerous. One of the factors on which there is greater agreement among researchers is the gender of the victims ( Furr, 2014 ; Guerrero, 2013 ; Haroon et al, 2021 ; Jabeen et al, 2020 ; Madzimbalale & Khoza, 2010 ; Micheau et al, 2004 ; Mittal et al, 2021a , 2021b ; Murphy et al, 2019 ; Restrepo-Bernal et al, 2014 ; Yousaf & Purkayastha, 2016 ). The amount of research, therefore, indicates that within the dimension of interpersonal violence even acid attacks have women as their main victims.…”

“…A second equally relevant risk factor is the young age of the victims ( Duminy & Hudson, 1993 ; Furr, 2014 ; Guerrero, 2013 ; Haroon et al, 2021 ; Jabeen et al, 2020 ; Micheau et al, 2004 ; Mittal et al, 2021a , 2021b ; Murphy et al, 2019 ; Restrepo-Bernal et al, 2014 ; Sabzi Khoshnami et al, 2017 ) although with few inconsistencies. For instance, according to Guerrero (2013) , the average age of victims is 23 years old; while, according to Murphy et al (2019) is instead 35 years.…”

“… Murphy et al (2019) have shown that the percentage of vitriolage victims belonging to minorities is far higher than for individuals who belong to the ethnic majority. Moreover, some geographical areas appear to be more represented and therefore nationality was considered a risk factor ( Furr, 2014 ; Guerrero, 2013 ; Haroon et al, 2021 ; Jabeen et al, 2020 ; Micheau et al, 2004 ; Mittal et al, 2021a ; Murphy et al, 2019 ; Restrepo-Bernal et al, 2014 ; Sabzi Khoshnami et al, 2017 ; Yousaf & Purkayastha, 2016 ). There are substantial differences between developed and developing countries; thus, for women born or, otherwise, living in a particular country may pose a greater risk of victimization.…”

Affetmeye Yönelik Müdahaleler: Bir Gözden Geçirme

“…According to the research findings; it has been reported that forgiving writing therapy reduces the level of shame and depression in the participating sexual abuse survivors and increases the level of posttraumatic growth. Haroon et al (2021) tested the effectiveness of forgiveness therapy with 8 out of 16 acid attack survivors. According to the research findings; Forgiveness therapy has been reported to cause significant differences in participants' hope, anger, anxiety and depression levels.…”

Expanding the cross‐cultural validity of the Enright Forgiveness Inventory short form

“…Participants in the Forgiveness Therapy group showed statistically significant reductions in anger, anxiety and depression as well as increases in empathy and forgiveness. Haroon et al (2021) studied a forgiveness intervention with female survivors of acid attacks in Pakistan. After the treatment, participants in the forgiveness intervention showed greater gains in hope, anger, anxiety and depression than the alternate intervention.…”