Mei-Ling Chen

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a forgiveness-based intervention in enhancing marital commitment and restoring trust among married individuals experiencing relational distress. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 married participants from Indonesia, randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The intervention group received six structured forgiveness-based therapy sessions over six weeks, while the control group received no intervention. Standardized measures of marital commitment and trust were administered at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with SPSS version 27. Findings: Results from repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant time × group interaction effects for marital commitment (F(2, 54) = 17.12, p < .001, η² = .39) and trust (F(2, 54) = 19.68, p < .001, η² = .42). Bonferroni post-hoc analyses indicated that both marital commitment and trust significantly increased from pre-test to post-test (p < .001) and were maintained at the five-month follow-up (p < .001), with no significant decline between post-test and follow-up (p > .05). Conclusion: The therapeutic gains were not only immediate but also sustained over time, supporting the use of structured forgiveness interventions in marital counseling settings. These findings highlight the potential of forgiveness as a valuable tool in relationship repair and emotional healing.

Objective: This study aimed to explore how narrative reframing functions as a coping and meaning-making mechanism among Taiwanese families experiencing trauma. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was adopted using purposive sampling to recruit 26 participants from Taiwan who had directly experienced family trauma, including bereavement, illness, or sudden life disruptions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. Each interview lasted 60–90 minutes, was audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo 14 software. An inductive coding approach was applied to identify open codes, subcategories, and overarching themes, with constant comparison used to refine findings. Research rigor was ensured through reflexive memo-writing, triangulation of coding among team members, and maintaining an audit trail. Findings: Analysis yielded three overarching themes: (1) Emotional reconstruction through narrative reframing, where participants processed trauma-related emotions, reduced guilt and shame, regulated distress, and cultivated hope; (2) Relational transformation within the family system, including improved communication, redefined roles, conflict resolution, trust rebuilding, and strengthened intergenerational understanding; and (3) Identity and future orientation, where families reframed themselves as survivors, emphasized personal growth, redefined goals and values, and expressed aspirations to transmit resilience across generations. Participants highlighted that narrative reframing enabled them to transform suffering into continuity, strengthen bonds, and situate trauma within cultural and spiritual frameworks that emphasized endurance and meaning. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that narrative reframing is a powerful coping process in families experiencing trauma, allowing for emotional healing, relational adaptation, and the construction of resilient family identities. This study underscores the importance of integrating narrative approaches into therapeutic interventions to support families in navigating trauma, rebuilding trust, and envisioning hopeful futures.