Don't just talk about forgiveness - Lifelines - mental health - Brief Article

Vibrant Life, March-April, 2002

New research has confirmed a strong relationship between forgiving others and good mental health, particularly among middle-aged and older Americans. Nearly 60 percent of participants in a recent national survey report they have forgiven themselves for past mistakes, and nearly three quarters feel forgiven by God. But just 52 percent say they have forgiven others, and only 43 percent say they have actively sought forgiveness for harm they have done to others.

The University of Michigan research also showed that 80 percent of people age 45 or older feel forgiven by God, and that this knowledge gives them strength to face their faults and be a better person. Just 69 percent of those aged 18 to 44 feel confident of God's forgiveness. Researchers believe that forgiveness is an important psychological antidote to anger, which is proven to have a host of negative physical and mental health effects. (Journal of Adult Development)