A Critique of the Lin Article
Lin Article Critique: Part 1
Title and Introduction
Bonnie J Thomas-Willey
Liberty University
Coun 503-D10 LUO
Research and Program Evaluation
Lin Article Critique: Part 1 Title and Introduction
Summary
Lin, Mack, Enright, and Baskin (2004) state that prior to the writing of this article anger and related emotions have already been associated as triggers within the realm of substance abuse. As way of illustration the authors cite the Project Match 12-step facilitation therapy manual which states that “Anger and resentment are pivotal emotions for most recovering alcoholics” (Nowinski, Baker, & Carroll, as found in Lin et al, 2004, p. 1114). The traditional therapeutic method of choice within treatment settings has been that of anger management. The focus of this form of treatment is in establishing surface level coping mechanisms by “attempting to teach patients to more effectively manage or express anger rather than actually decrease their anger” (Dakken et al, 1995 as found in Lin et al, 2004 p. 1114). The authors present that there is insufficient documentation related to the efficacy of this approach. An alternative approach has been developed by a number of researchers titled Forgiveness Therapy (FT).
FT states that while anger, resentment and other accompanying related emotions are correct responses to severe violations, harmful results are attributed to the same on a daily basis. The therapeutic goal, therefore, is in assisting the client in working towards educating the client regarding healthy forgiveness as a choice. The authors advise that “Robust results have been found when FT has been applied to certain populations” and “has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of anger, anxiety and depression rather than simply improving individuals’ ability to cope with these emotions” (Lin et al, 2004, p. 1115).
Lin et al, (2004) chose support for the validity of FT by presenting the hypothesis that inpatient clients for substance abuse
Title and Introduction
Bonnie J Thomas-Willey
Liberty University
Coun 503-D10 LUO
Research and Program Evaluation
Lin Article Critique: Part 1 Title and Introduction
Summary
Lin, Mack, Enright, and Baskin (2004) state that prior to the writing of this article anger and related emotions have already been associated as triggers within the realm of substance abuse. As way of illustration the authors cite the Project Match 12-step facilitation therapy manual which states that “Anger and resentment are pivotal emotions for most recovering alcoholics” (Nowinski, Baker, & Carroll, as found in Lin et al, 2004, p. 1114). The traditional therapeutic method of choice within treatment settings has been that of anger management. The focus of this form of treatment is in establishing surface level coping mechanisms by “attempting to teach patients to more effectively manage or express anger rather than actually decrease their anger” (Dakken et al, 1995 as found in Lin et al, 2004 p. 1114). The authors present that there is insufficient documentation related to the efficacy of this approach. An alternative approach has been developed by a number of researchers titled Forgiveness Therapy (FT).
FT states that while anger, resentment and other accompanying related emotions are correct responses to severe violations, harmful results are attributed to the same on a daily basis. The therapeutic goal, therefore, is in assisting the client in working towards educating the client regarding healthy forgiveness as a choice. The authors advise that “Robust results have been found when FT has been applied to certain populations” and “has been shown to decrease the frequency and severity of anger, anxiety and depression rather than simply improving individuals’ ability to cope with these emotions” (Lin et al, 2004, p. 1115).
Lin et al, (2004) chose support for the validity of FT by presenting the hypothesis that inpatient clients for substance abuse
References: Garzon, F. (). Research Article Critique 1 [Online forum comment]. Retrieved from Research Article Critique 1 website: http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15052550-dt-content-rid-72250786_1/xid-72250786_1 Lin, W. F., Mack, D., Enright, R. D., & Baskin, T. W. (2004). Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Anger, Mood, and Vulnerability to Substance Use among Inpatient Substance-Dependent Clients. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(6), 1114-1121. Pyrczak, F. (2008). Evaluating Research in Academic Journals (Fourth ed.). Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.