So says this recent study. Researchers from the University of WI-Madison and the University of Notre Dame have conducted a study on patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and found that those who were involved in "forgiveness intervention" treatment during their care showed positive changes [that] were compellingly shown 10 weeks after completing the program." Part of the reasoning for doing the research, according to the report, is "an association between intense emotions, such as anger, and risk for cardiac events is well-established...."
And just to make sure we're all talking about the same thing, it is interesting to note the study's definition of its terms:
As a result,
And just to make sure we're all talking about the same thing, it is interesting to note the study's definition of its terms:
"There is now consensus in the field of psychology that forgiveness is not the same as making excuses for unfair treatment, condoning, ignoring justice or reconciling. Those who forgive, in other words, acknowledge the other person's wrong without excusing or simply letting the offense go. Forgiveness is a person's individual act of offering mercy, compassion, and empathy towards an offender. Reconciliation is the negotiated resolution of conflict between two or more people. Thus, one might, under certain circumstances, forgive an offender but then not reconcile if that offender continues in his or her hurtful behavioural patterns."The forgiveness intervention component of the study
"...was based on a forgiveness process model integrating cognitive, affective and behavioural components.... The program comprises four phases in which 20 psychological variables are identified..., such as confrontation and release of anger, willingness to consider forgiveness as a possibility for change, viewing the offender in his context and finding meaning in the painful event. This form of intervention has been shown to significantly increase hope and self-esteem and to decrease anger, anxiety and grief...." (emphasis added)This highlighted aspect was explained further in the report:
"The persistence of the physiological effects of the forgiveness program may relate to its added psychosocial effects. The experimental program focused on reducing resentment and fostering more positive attitudes through forgiveness therapy. Central in this process is a decision made by the injured individual to change his current problem-solving strategy and to choose a path that involves transformation towards positive attitudes rather than simply venting feelings of anger. Several studies have indicated that catharsis tends to increase emotions rather than reducing them .... The expression of emotions can be helpful if connected with gaining insights and finding meaning, motivation to change and learn, and a means to move towards productive coping strategies.... As the injured individual becomes more aware of his emotional and cognitive responses to the injury, he may come to see the offender in a broader way and, as he does so, his negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours are replaced with more positive ones...."
As a result,
"...the degree of forgiveness continued to be statistically significant between the two groups from pre-test to follow-up and the myocardial perfusion defect improvements favoured the experimental group. This may be the case because forgiveness not only reduces negative affect but also increases positive affect towards that person. The combination of decreased negative and increased positive affect may be a key to the physiological improvements...." (emphasis added)I find all of this particularly interesting, not because it is new to me, but because it is always satisfying to see science find the same conclusions as Scripture. There is much wisdom for life in the Bible's teachings on forgiveness. There is now some clear evidence it has more than just spiritual benefit.