TED Health The psychology of forgiveness with Michael McCullough | from WorkLife with Adam Grant
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Apr 21, 2026 
Michael McCullough, a psychology professor who studies forgiveness, gratitude, and empathy, joins to explore why humans forgive and when they do not. He discusses how grudges harm health. He explains evolved reasons for forgiveness, how past kindness shapes decisions, and when asking for forgiveness helps repair trust.
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Resentment Hurts The Resenter
- Resentment has measurable physical and mental costs that degrade well-being.
- Michael McCullough cites lost sleep, elevated blood pressure, and ruminative preoccupation as consequences of nursing grudges.
Forgiveness Evolved To Preserve Cooperation
- Humans evolved a forgiveness instinct to restore cooperative relationships needed for survival.
- McCullough explains forgiveness balances benefits of repair against the risk of repeated harm from unrepentant partners.
Assess Future Value Before You Forgive
- Weigh the future value of a relationship, not just past behavior, when deciding to forgive.
- McCullough suggests assessing whether benefits remain and whether the person is likely to harm you again before repairing ties.