Research with divorced individuals and women who have experienced spousal abuse has demonstrated these significant outcomes: higher self-esteem, better decision-making, more personal growth, less anxiety, less depression, and fewer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

These positive outcomes of forgiveness therapy have important practical implications. An improvement in self-esteem can impact family, friendship, and employment relationships. An improvement in anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder can provide opportunities for increased energy and hope in current life situations. Better decision-making without intrusive memories of the abuse can bring great relief and movement forward in life. Emotionally abused people have been given the message (during the abusive relationship) that they are worthless and that they cannot make good choices. Forgiveness therapy corrects that message.