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International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Published in:

01-09-2009

Relationship Between Forgiveness and Psychological and Physiological Indices in Cardiac Patients

Authors: Jennifer P. Friedberg, Sonia Suchday, V. S. Srinivas

Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 3/2009

Abstract

Background

Research suggests that forgiveness is associated with better psychological and physical health and in particular cardiovascular functioning. Despite these findings, most forgiveness studies involve healthy participants.

Purpose

The current study assessed the psychological and physiological correlates of forgiveness in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Method

Self-reported forgiveness, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression, and physiological data, including triglycerides, total cholesterol, high- (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, were obtained from 85 hospitalized CAD patients.

Results

Higher levels of forgiveness were associated with lower levels of anxiety (p < 0.05), depression (p < 0.01), and perceived stress (p < 0.005) as well as lower total cholesterol to HDL and LDL to HDL ratios (both at p < 0.05) after controlling for age and gender. The psychological indices did not mediate the relationship between forgiveness and cholesterol ratios.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the psychological correlates of forgiveness are similar in cardiac patients and healthy individuals. Further, among cardiac patients, forgiveness may be associated with reduced risk for future cardiovascular events.

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Title: Relationship Between Forgiveness and Psychological and Physiological Indices in Cardiac Patients
Authors: Jennifer P. Friedberg
Sonia Suchday
V. S. Srinivas
Publication date: 01-09-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 3/2009
Print ISSN: 1070-5503
Electronic ISSN: 1532-7558
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-008-9016-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Relationship Between Forgiveness and Psychological and Physiological Indices in Cardiac Patients

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

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