Final answer:
Frank Fincham's research on forgiveness deals with the intricacies of reconciliation in group dynamics. The main issue is the highly subjective nature of introspection, which makes consensus difficult. The research ties into broader themes of empathy, suffering acknowledgment, and societal values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The research by Frank Fincham on forgiveness addresses the complexity inherent in the process of reconciliation and the challenges that arise when individuals seek forgiveness. Although Fincham's work focuses on group dynamics and conflict, the core problem seems to be the subjective nature of introspection and the difficulty in achieving consensus on the experiences and suffering of both parties involved in a conflict.
Fincham's research suggests that promoting reconciliation between individuals or groups involves fostering empathy, recognizing past sufferings, and stopping destructive behaviors. However, the introspective process that Fincham advocates is highly subjective and challenging, often resulting in little agreement between individuals.
In this context, functionalism may refer to the philosophical concept where society is viewed in terms of the functions of its constituent elements. The work of Vincent Lloyd, mentioned in the context of grace, and the analysis by Tavris and Aronson on the justification of bad decisions might be tangential, but they also touch upon themes of society's values and psychological processes, which can relate back to the issue of forgiveness and personal or collective growth after conflict.