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| Published: September 25, 2016

FORGIVENESS: The Way to Holistic Well-Being

Suryalee Athwaria ,

Research Fellow, Dept. Of Psychology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India Google Scholar More about the auther

A. K. Srivastava

Professor, Dept. Of Psychology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India Google Scholar More about the auther

DIP: 18.01.177/20160304

DOI: 10.25215/0304.177

ABSTRACT

In an era of globalization where generations believe in lawsuits, it can sometimes seem like forgiveness is a concept from TretaYug (Era of Ramayan, the Hindu mythology) or Biblical times. However starting from last two decades of 20th century, developmental, social and clinical psychologists have begun to study the concept of forgiveness more intensively and scientifically(McCullough,2000).A wealth of research suggests that Forgiveness is a form of healing that considers the whole person- body, mind, spirit, and emotions- to achieve optimal health and well-being. Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for our health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels & sleep; reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress. Research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection as we age. Thus, field of psychology needs a proactive, positive approach emphasizing strengths, rather than continuing in the downward spiral of negativity trying to fix weaknesses.
Responding Author Information

Suryalee Athwaria @ suryalee407@gmail.com

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ISSN 2348-5396

ISSN 2349-3429

DIP: 18.01.177/20160304

DOI: 10.25215/0304.177

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Published in   Volume 03, Issue 4, July-September, 2016