ReThinking The psychology of forgiveness with Michael McCullough
Jun 3, 2025
Michael McCullough, a UC San Diego psychology professor and a pioneer in forgiveness studies, joins Adam Grant to delve into the intricacies of forgiveness. They discuss why forgiveness is essential for emotional health yet not always a solution to conflict. The conversation explores how humans evolved to forgive, the psychology behind grudges, and the delicate balance of seeking and granting forgiveness in relationships. Additionally, they tackle the cultural influences on forgiveness and its transformative effects on mental well-being.
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Resentment Corrodes Well-Being
- Resentment harms well-being through lost sleep and energy and causes physical and mental health problems.
- Forgiving frees one from ruminating on harm and losing social support, promoting mental health.
Evolution Favors Strategic Forgiveness
- Humans evolved to forgive to restore cooperative relationships vital for survival.
- Forgiveness decisions weigh future benefits versus risks of repeated harm from the offender.
Forgiveness Based on Severity and Pattern
- Forgive small violations and be wary of major harms to character or generosity.
- Assess patterns of behavior to judge whether to maintain or end relationships cautiously.
