Extended Search

 

To Err Is Human, to Forgive Is...Good for Your Health Eighteenth-century English poet and essayist Alexander Pope is credited with saying, "To err is human, to forgive, divine." Nearly 200 years later, researchers at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville believe forgiveness may not only be divine, but a good way to stay healthy. The survey of 108 college students gathered data on specific situations in which they had felt betrayed, and whether the students seemed to have forgiving personalities ("trait" forgiveness) and how recalling the situation affected them during the interview ("state" forgiveness). During the interviews, the researchers monitored students' vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate. Trait forgiveness was associated with lower blood pressure readings, while state forgiveness was associated with lower blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, signs of sympathetic nervous system arousal (e.g., the stress response) that elevated when betrayal events were brought up also seemed to return to normal faster in students deemed "forgiving types." Think of the ability to forgive as the ability to reduce stress in your life. We all know how debilitating stress can be, particularly in the long-term; in fact, considerable research shows that stress can contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. So don't hold a grudge - it's bad for your health! Want to learn more about stress relief? Visit www.chiroweb.com/find/archives/general/wellness/index.html. Reference: Lawler KA, Younger JW, Piferi RL, et al. A change of heart: cardiovascular correlates of forgiveness in response to cardiovascular fitness. Journal of Behavioral Medicine October 2003:26(5), pp373-93.

Designed by Dynamic Chiropractic

To report inappropriate ads,click here

Advertising Information | About Us | DC Deals & Events Newsletter | ChiroFind | ChiroPoll | Chiropractic Directory Chiropractic Mailing Lists | Chiropractic Product Showcase | Classified Advertising | DC News Update Newsletter Discussion Forums | Event Calendar | For Chiropractic Students | Link to Us | Meet the Staff Other Sources | Previous Issues | Research Review Newsletter | Site Map | Webcasts [ Home ] [ Contact Us ] Other MPA Media Sites: DynamicChiropractic | DynamicChiropractic Canada | ChiroFind | ToYourHealth | AcupunctureToday MassageToday | ChiropracticResearchReview | SpaTherapy | NutritionalWellness | NaturopathyDigest Policies: Privacy Policy | User Agreement All Rights Reserved, Dynamic Chiropractic, 2011.