A Systematic Review on Intervention for Managing Embitterment

Abstract

Embitterment and its clinical counterpart, Posttraumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED) are important psychological reactions to perceived injustice, humiliation and moral injury that has not been sufficiently met by the conventional treatments of trauma or mood disorders. This is a systematic literature review of the intervention based quantitative and qualitative studies on embitterment. The number of empirical studies was 13 based on the randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, and longitudinal interventions. The results have shown that wisdom-based cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, expressive writing therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), logotherapy, narrative therapy, and digital mental fitness programs have a significant effect in reducing levels of embitterment and enhancing emotional regulation and coping skills. In general, the results are consistent with the effectiveness therapeutic interventions that combine cognitive restructuring, meaning making, acceptance, and emotional regulation.