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You might associate forgiveness with church sermons and childhood lectures from your
parents, but researchers are currently pursuing links between forgiveness and improvements
in physical and mental health.
The act of forgiving has direct and indirect effects on the body and the mind, says Everett
L. Worthington, a psychologist and the executive director of A Campaign for Forgiveness
Research in Richmond, Virginia. "When people forgive, they replace feelings of unforgiveness
with more positive emotions, such as empathy, sympathy, and love," he says. These positive
emotions--usually associated with forgiveness--reduce the hostility and negative stress a
person feels, which in turn reduces that person's risk for heart problems. Chronic stress has
also been found to weaken the immune system, so reducing stress can give your immune
system a boost.
Forgiving people are also more likely to have stable romantic and platonic relationships.
"People who forgive are often happier and, therefore, less prone to the depression and
anxiety caused by unsteady relationships," says Worthington. In addition, studies have found
that people with large social circles and support systems seem to be healthier and recover
more quickly from illness than their lonelier peers.
Worthington says one common misconception is that forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
When his mother was murdered four years ago, Worthington was angry, and vengeful
initially. After a few sleepless nights, he decided to forgive the killer. "I think that letting go
of the hatred is courageous," he says. "It's often a lot harder to forgive than to hold a
grudge."
parents, but researchers are currently pursuing links between forgiveness and improvements
in physical and mental health.
The act of forgiving has direct and indirect effects on the body and the mind, says Everett
L. Worthington, a psychologist and the executive director of A Campaign for Forgiveness
Research in Richmond, Virginia. "When people forgive, they replace feelings of unforgiveness
with more positive emotions, such as empathy, sympathy, and love," he says. These positive
emotions--usually associated with forgiveness--reduce the hostility and negative stress a
person feels, which in turn reduces that person's risk for heart problems. Chronic stress has
also been found to weaken the immune system, so reducing stress can give your immune
system a boost.
Forgiving people are also more likely to have stable romantic and platonic relationships.
"People who forgive are often happier and, therefore, less prone to the depression and
anxiety caused by unsteady relationships," says Worthington. In addition, studies have found
that people with large social circles and support systems seem to be healthier and recover
more quickly from illness than their lonelier peers.
Worthington says one common misconception is that forgiveness is a sign of weakness.
When his mother was murdered four years ago, Worthington was angry, and vengeful
initially. After a few sleepless nights, he decided to forgive the killer. "I think that letting go
of the hatred is courageous," he says. "It's often a lot harder to forgive than to hold a
grudge."
