FORGIVENESS IS HEART-HEALTHY

Holding grudges against others may have a negative impact on an individual's own health, say scientists.

According to a report in the journal Psychological Science, the act of forgiveness fosters physical well-being. The study enrolled 71 adults. The subjects were asked to describe an event where another individual caused them emotional harm. The subjects then role-played two scenarios: one in which they empathized with and forgave those who hurt them, and one where they held a grudge.

Holding a grudge triggered a boost in blood pressure and heart rate, compared with forgiving.

Psychological Science ­ March 2001;12 http://www.psychologicalscience.org/

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