Is revenge a mental illness?

In this episode, Kelly Leonard interviews James Kimmel Jr., a clinical professor and author, about his book ‘The Science of Revenge.’ They explore the neuroscience behind revenge, its addictive nature, and how it manifests in real-life scenarios. Kimmel shares compelling stories, including those of mass violence, and discusses the role of mental illness in revenge-seeking behavior. The conversation also delves into the healing power of forgiveness and the societal implications of revenge in the age of social media. Kimmel emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing revenge as a mental health issue, advocating for forgiveness as a means to break the cycle of violence and promote healing.

“Revenge is a kind of addiction.”

“Forgiveness stops pain.”

“This can get better and it will.”