Forgiveness and Reconciliation breaks new ground as a volume that will enhance the work of social and peace psychologists, students, and researchers in intergroup and international relations, and peace and conflict studies.
Highlights of the coverage:
•    Reconciliation efforts in Rwanda, Darfur, India, and Pakistan
•    Restorative conferencing and its role in fostering forgiveness
•    Lessons in empathy and repentance from lifers in prison
•    Promoting reconciliation through arts and the media
•    The potential for forgiveness despite revisionism, denial, and continued injustice
•    Reconciliation in the divided society

"Forgiveness and Reconciliation" is a volume for our time.  It continues the lifelong peace and social justice efforts of Dr. Ani Kalayjian and her colleagues, in this case, Dr. Raymond Paloutzian.  We hear so often the phrase “Truth and Reconciliation” and its power to heal individuals and nations; but in this instance, the volume brings to prominence the essential act of “forgiveness.”  In this edited book of 17 chapters written by known scholars and professionals, Drs. Kalayjian & Paloutzian have brought together a rich and comprehensive understanding of  the importance of  ‘forgiveness” for our individual and collective lives.  It is a volume for a time, with a timeless message that "forgiveness" is the heart of healing body, mind, and spirit.  Read and be changed. Read and change others. Read and change the world.   
Anthony J. Marsella, Ph.D.
Past President, Psychologists for Social Responsibility 2007-2008

     Forgiveness can enable people to move beyond the burden due to the deep pain, anger, hatred, grudges, and misunderstanding that are often the result of trauma, whether it is human-induced or the result of natural causes.  Although there are numerous books on the market that counsel people in the arts of forgiveness and reconciliation, most are addressed to the individual and suggest prayer, meditation, or other spiritual exercises as a way to begin to forgive and overcome anger, hatred, or alienation. Some of them are couched in terms of a specific religious tradition.  Others are more psychological in their approach. Many of the books focus on reconciliation of a specific issue such as healing a couple’s relationship after an affair or forgiving one’s parents. Several books address forgiveness at the communal or societal levels and suggest ways to overcome racial and ethnic strife.  In our examination of the available titles, we did not find texts that that deal with the healing of trauma through forgiveness that were comprehensive in scope or sufficient to talk about it at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, familial, communal, and societal levels.  Only a broad examination such as this can reveal the similar patterns that occur at all levels.  We propose just such a book.

     The emphasis of this book is on the larger units of analysis, placing it squarely and properly within the context of a peace psychology series.  This means that special attention should be paid to the cognitions and behavior of people in their unique social, historical, and cultural contexts in a way that facilitates our understanding of the structural properties of aggregates of people that promote systemic violence and that show the possibility of changing to promote systemic peacebuilding.  Forgiveness and reconciliation are useful elements in this systemic peacebuilding effort.  One useful contribution of this book to the peace psychology literature would be to demystify the idea of forgiveness in the minds of scholars and policy makers, i.e., it would no longer be necessary for the idea of forgiveness to be seen as a head-in-the-clouds, lofty ideal that is too far removed from reality to be put into practice.  Instead, we hope to illustrate concrete examples of how people can cognitively reframe their interpretation of reality in a way that is both realistic while at the same fosters peace-promoting values and promotes socially just outcomes.  Part of the peace building process will require a step by step enhancement of mutual trust, and the processes that nurture trust include those that nurture forgiveness, reconciliation, and occasionally their boundaries and limits.  The Journal of Social Issues issue on Peace Psychology recently edited by Christie (2006) serves as a springboard from which to draw these connections; in addition to the classis work of Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search for Meaning (1946).

     The multitude of conflicts currently wreaking havoc across the globe and the continuing reports of violence in communities and estrangement within families suggest that despite a saturated market, the message that forgiveness and reconciliation are a necessary foundation to communal living and thus to human survival has not yet gotten through.  We think it is time for a novel approach to learning how to move beyond trauma and to forgive.  The inclusive, multidisciplinary, multiethnic, multigenerational, and international perspectives and the pathways towards healing trauma that are suggested in the proposed volume are intended to provide such an approach.  The authors represent sufficient disciplinary and cultural diversity and the depth and breadth of experience to undertake this groundbreaking effort.

     Although the book is multi-authored, it is designed so that the material is synthetic and integrated.  Each chapter will have a research base and will extend that so that it can be applied in practical ways to concrete situations.  Various aspects of case studies will be included for illustrative purposes.  

Christie, D. (2006). Post-Cold War Peace Psychology: More Differentiated, Contextualized, and Systemic. Journal of Social Issues. 62(1).
Frankl, V. (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning.
Kalayjian, A. (1999). Forgiveness and Transcendence. Clio’s Psyche. 6(3)116-119.


** This is an overview of a book that was published by Springer Publishing on Aug 4 2009 at APA.  Springer.com, $129 papercover ($24.99), p.318. Peace Psychology Book Series. Call Springer toll-free 1-800-Springer, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

For a review copy kindly contact Dr. Kalayjian at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or www.meaningfulworld.com

Kalayjian, A., Abdolian, L. F. (2010). Trauma and the Media: How Movies can Create and Relieve Trauma. In Gregerson, M. (Editor) The Cinematic Mirror for Psychology and Life Coaching. New York, NY: Springer Publishing.  pp 155-169.

Kalayjian, A. (2010 in press).  Organizational and cultural Competence.  In Core Curriculum in Transcultural Nursing and Health Care.  Edited by Marrone, S.

Kalayjian, A. (2010). WNGE presents a workshop in Saudi Arabia International Psychology Bulletin, 14(1):31-32.

Kalayjian, A. , De Mucci , J (2010). Meaningfulworld Mission to Armenia: Empowerment, forgiveness, and transforming learning disabilities into challenges. International Psychology Bulletin, 14(1):30-31.

Kalayjian, A., De Mucci, J., & Touissaint, L. (2010). Armenian-Turkish Protocols: Psychological Reactions. International Psychology Bulletin, 14(3):12-15.

Kalayjian, A. (2010). Helping earthquake survivors cope with stress. Journal of Reflections on Nursing Leadership, STTI, 36(2).

Kalayjian, A., & Abdolian, L. F. (2009). How movies can create and relieve trauma. In The Cinematic Mirror for Psychology and Life Coaching. Springer. 

Kalayjian, A. Di Liberto, C. (2009). Gun Control or Not Policies from Around the Globe: Part I in Developing Countries. International Psychology Bulletin, 13(1), 25-27.

Kalayjian, A. (2009). Women’s Rights ARE Human Rights: UN Human Rights Declaration at 60.  International Psychology Bulletin, 13(1), 21-22.

Kalayjian, A., & Paloutzian, R. (2009).  Forgiveness & Reconciliation: Psychological Pathways to Conflict Transformation & Peace Building.  New York, NY: Springer Publishing.

Kalayjian, A., & Eugene, D. (2009).  Handbook of Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. II Volume: Natural Disasters and Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.

Kalayjian, A. Shigemoto, Y., & Patel, B.  (2009). Earthquake in Soviet Armenia: Coping, Integration, and Meaning-Making. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 1-22.

Kalayjian, A. & DiLiberto, C. (2009). Northridge Earthquake in Southern California:  Lessons Learned and Meaning Discovered. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 23-36.

Kalayjian, A., Moore, N., & Richmond, K. (2009).  Coping with the Earthquake in Pakistan: A Religio-Culturally Informed Treatment. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 55-72.

Kalayjian, A., Donovan, E., & Shigemoto, Y. (2009). Coping with Hurricane Andrew: Preparedness , Resilience, and Meaning-Making. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 73-92.

Kalayjian, A., Moore, N., Kuriansky, J., & Aberson, C. (2009). A Disaster Outreach Program for Tsunami Survivors in Sri Lanka: The Biopsychosocial, Educational, and Spiritual Approach. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 125-150.

Carlin, S., Kalayjian, A., Kim, M., Jacobs, E. (2009). Ecological Worldview: From Ego to Eco. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 179-192.

Kalayjian, A., Moore , N., Aberson, C.,  & Kim, S (2009). Exploring Long-term Impact of Mass Truama on Physical Health, Coping, and Meaning-Making: Exploration of the Ottoman-Turkish Genocide of the Armenians. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 287-306.

Pipinelli, A. & Kalayjian, A. (2009). Gender and Genocide: Armenian and Greek Women Finding Positive Meaning in the Horror. In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 307-326.

Kalayjian, A., Musgrave, B., & Aberson, C. (2009).  Psychosocial and Spiritual Impact of 9/11 Terrorism on Mental Health Professionals in America.  In Kalayjian, A. & Eugene, D. (Eds.) Mass Trauma & Emotional Healing Around the World: Rituals and Practices for Resilience and Meaning-making. Volume II: Human Made Disasters. New York: NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp 327-342.

Kalayjian, A., Abdolian, L. F. (2009). Trauma and the Media: How Movies can Create and Relieve Trauma. In Gregerson, M. (Editor) The Cinematic Mirror for Psychology and Life Coaching. New York, NY: Springer Publishing

Kalayjian, A. (2009). Conspiracy of Silence.  J. Michael Hagopian (prod.), Voices from the Lake (2003).  In Evoking Genocide: Scholars and Activists Describe the Works that Shaped their Lives. Ontario, CA: The Key Publishing House Inc.

Kalayjian, A. (2009).  Organizational and cultural Competence.  In Core Curriculum in Transcultural Nursing and Health Care.  Edited by Marrone, S.

Takooshian, H., Habash, T., Plous, S., Kalayjian, A., Salmberg, M., El-Ghoroury, N., Vandaveer, V. V., Tars, S. (2008). Technology and the Internet: Its Impact on APA and Its Members of All Ages.  The General Psychologist, 43(2), 4-5.

Carlin, S., Kalayjian, A., Galanis, G., et al (2008). From Ego to Eco: A New World View. UN Web Publication. http://www.climatecaucus.net/spirit.htm http://www.climatecaucus.net/2008Report/recommendations.htm

Kalayjian, A. &  Anable, L. (2006, Fall). Israeli and Hezbollah conflict: International perspectives on the future of peace in the Middle East. International Psychology Bulletin, 10(4), 47-49.

Kalayjian, A., Jesmaridyn, S, & Swenson, E. (2006). Adolescence in Armenia. In Routledge International Encyclopedia of Adolescence. New York: The Taylor and Francis Group.

Kalayjian, A. (2005, Fall). International trauma relief efforts mobilized. NEAA Courier News, p.11.

Kalayjian, A. (2005). Hurricane Katrina Victims are at Risk for PTSD: We Need Your Support. International Psychology Reporter, 9(3), 12.

Kalayjian, A. & Weisberg, M. (2004). General impact of mass trauma: The Post-Ottoman Turkish genocide of the Armenians. St. Leon Armenian Church Newsletter,10, 2.

Kalayjian, A.S. (2003, July). Generational impact of mass trauma. United Nations, NGO Reporter,11(2), 2.

Kalayjian, A. (2003) Impact of 9/11 Terrorism on mental health practitioners in the New York tri-state area. Eye on Psi Chi,7(3).

Kalayjian, A. (2002). Biopsychosocial & spiritual treatment of trauma. In Massey, R. F. & Massey, S. D.  (Eds.), Comprehensive handbook of psychotherapy: Interpersonal, humanistic existential approaches to psychotherapy (Vol. 3, pp. 615-634). New York: Wiley & Sons.

Kalayjian, A., Kanazi, R. L., & Aberson, C.L. (2002). A cross-cultural study of the psychosocial and spiritual impact of natural disaster. International Journal of Group Tensions, 31(2), 175-86.

Kowalski, K. M., Kalayjian, A. (2001, Oct-Nov). Responding to mass emotional trauma: A mental health outreach program for Turkey earthquake victims. Safety Science, 39(1-2), 71-81.

Jernazian, L. & Kalayjian, A. (2001). Armenia: Aftershocks.  In J.D Lindy & R. J. Lifton (Eds.), Beyond Invisible Walls:     Vol. xvii. The psychological legacy of Soviet trauma (pp. 172-191). New York: Brunner-Routledge.

Kalayjian, A. S., (1999). Coping Through Meaning: The community response to the earthquake in Armenia. In E.S. Zinner & M.B. Williams (Eds), When a community weeps: Case studies in group survivorship. (pp.86-101). Philadelphia, PA, US: Brunner/Mazel.

Kalayjian, A., (1999, December). Forgiveness and Transcendence . Clio's Psyche, 6 (3), 116-119.

Kalayjian, A., (1999). Global perspectives in nursing and health. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 10(3), 189.

Kalayjian, A., Shahinian, S. P. (1998). Recollections of aged Armenian survivors of the Ottoman Turkish Genocide: Resilience through endurance, coping, and life accomplishments. Psychoanalytic Review, 85(4), 489-504.

Kalayjian, A., (1998). The fourth world conference on women: The road to Beijing and beyond. In D. Mason & J. Leavitt (Eds.), Nursing and Health Care (3rd ed.). W.B. Saunders.

Kupelian, D., Kalayjian, A. S., Kassabian, A. (1998). The Turkish genocide of the Armenians: Continuing effects on survivors and their families eight decades after massive trauma.  In Y. Danieli (Ed.), International handbook of multigenerational legacies of trauma. (pp. 191-210). New York: Plenum Publishing.

Kalayjian, A. S.  (1997, June). Conflict resolution in acute care leads to professional growth. The Nursing Spectrum, 9A(11).

Kalayjian, A. S.  (1997, January). Mentoring culturally diverse advanced practice nurses: A journey of transcendence. The Nursing Spectrum, 9A(1).

Kalayjian, A. S., Shahinian, S. P., Gergerian, E. L., & Saraydarian, L. (1996). Coping with Ottoman Turkish Genocide: An Exploration of the Experience of Armenian Survivors, Journal of Traumatic Stress, 9(1), 87-97.

Kalayjian, A. (1995). Disaster & Mass Trauma: Global Perspectives on Post Disaster Mental Health Management . Long Branch, NJ: Vista Publishers, Inc.

Kalayjian, A. S. & Jones, R. L. (1995). Medical crisis counseling: Short-term therapy for long-term illness.  Irene Pollin.  In Readings, a Journal of Reviews and Commentary In Mental Health.

Kalayjian, A.S. (1994). Mental health outreach program following the earthquake in Armenia: Utilizing the nursing process in developing and managing the post-natural disaster plan. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 15(6), 533-550.

Kalayjian, A. S. (1994). Emotional and environmental connections: Impact of the Armenian earthquake. In E. A. Schuster & C. L. Brown (Eds.), Exploring our environmental connections (pp. 155-174). New York: National League for Nursing Press.

Kalayjian, A.S., Belmont, M., Cohen, B., Marirose, D., & Downes, J. (1994). Adopt-A-School Program: Recruitment Initiative of NYCRNA, District 13, Education Committee. Journal of the New York State Nurses Association, 25(1), 21-23.

Kalayjian, A. S.  (1993). The Beijing Women’s Conference. In  D. Mason & J. Leavitt (Eds.).  Policy & Politics for Nurses, (3rd Edition, pp.637-639). Orlando, FL: W. B. Saunders.

Takooshian, H., Kalayjian, A.S., & Melkonian, E. (1993). Life in the Soviet and Post-Soviet era. In L. Alder (Ed.), International Handbook on Gender Roles. (pp. 344-357). Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.

Kalayjian, A.S. (1992). Values system analysis: A guide for managing people.  Proceedings of the first international congress on Logotherapy. Netherlands Institute for Logotherapy.

Kalayjian, A.S. (1991). Meaning in trauma: Impact of the earthquake in Soviet Armenia. The International Forum for Logotherapy.

Kalayjian, A.S. (1990) The Graduate Student Handbook. West Hartford, CT: Saint Joseph College.

Kalayjian, A.S. (Writer/Director/Producer). (1989) Aggression: How to detect it and prevent it.  [Motion picture]. (Available from Saint Joseph College, Continuing Education Department, West Hartford, CT)

Kalayjian, A.S. (1989). Coping with cancer: The spouse’s perspective.  Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 3(3), 166-72.