Evaluation of the effectiveness and satisfaction of the Learning to Forgive Program for the prevention of bullying

Abstract

Introduction.  Two pioneering studies in Spain are presented on the Learning to Forgive program inspired by the research of Robert Enright and his team, pioneers in the education of forgiveness. Study 1 aims to analyze whether teacher training in the Learning to Forgive Program increases their knowledge of forgiveness and Study 2 evaluates the satisfaction of the program for teenagers. Method.  In Study 1, the sample consisted of 88 primary and secondary school teachers, distributed in an experimental group (n = 63) and a control group (n = 25), belonging to 11 educational centers, and in Study 2 the sample consisted of 153 students belonging to 4 educational centers.  Results. In Study 1, statistically significant improvements were found in the forgiveness group regarding their knowledge of forgiveness and marginally significant in emotional forgiveness compared to the control group. In Study 2 participants noted, among other data, high satisfaction with the program and that it had helped them forgive in a remarkable way. Discussion and Conclusion.  In line with other studies, it is recommended to incorporate education in forgiveness into bullying prevention programs.