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The benefits of interpersonal forgiveness

Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Forgiveness can be big or small, but even in small things forgiveness can have a powerful effect on mental health, physical health and happiness.

University of Northern Iowa educational psychology professor Suzanne Freedman says the act of forgiving does not equal reconciliation. Her work counters a societal misunderstanding of forgiveness, which even in severe cases of abuse or incest can benefit the wronged party and does not absolve or even need to involve their abuser.

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with Freedman about interpersonal forgiveness and is later joined by Luther College psychology professor Loren Toussaint, who shares the physical benefits of forgiveness.

Guests:

  • Suzanne Freedman, professor in the educational psychology department, co-chair of the COE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, University of Northern Iowa
  • Loren Toussaint, psychology professor, Luther College
Corrected: March 22, 2023 at 9:35 AM CDT
An earlier version of this post contained a typo. The sentence should read: "which even in severe cases of abuse or incest can benefit the wronged party and does not absolve or even need to involve their abuser. "
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Charity Nebbe is the host of IPR's Talk of Iowa
Dani Gehr is a producer for River to River and Talk of Iowa. Dani came to Iowa from her hometown in the northwest suburbs of Chicago to attend Iowa State University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in journalism, international studies and French. Before coming to IPR, Dani covered local government in Story County for the Ames Tribune and Des Moines Register.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer at Iowa Public Radio