Twin correlations revealed that forgiveness and vengefulness are partly genetic, whereas spirituality is shaped by the family environment. Forgiveness is better understood in relation to pro-social behavior than religion.
Study was conducted by Lindon Eaves (NIH/NIMH, Virginia Commonwealth University) the second most cited geneticist in the world.
The study will be presented at a conference, Scientific Findings on Forgiveness Research, in Atlanta October 24-25 at the Westin, Peachtree Plaza Hotel.
A study of genetic and social influence in twins:
Forgiveness and vengefulness in the context of adolescent religious and behavioral development: A twin study of genetic and social influence.
Learning goals:
1. To illustrate how twin studies can elucidate the roles of genetic and social factors in human development.
2. To provide the first estimates of the contributions, from the North Carolina juvenile twin study, of genetic and environmental influences to the development of forgiveness in adolescence.
3. To show how forgiving behavior in adolescence relates to individual and family religious values and other aspects of social and anti-social behavior.
Over 40 of the top scientists in the world who study forgiveness are reporting on their research at the conference. The scientific presentations include the power of forgiving as it affects marriages, health, women, Blacks, religion, businesses, relationships, criminals and victims, substance abusers, and others. The first study to examine brain imaging when making judgments about forgiveness is also presented. See the website p
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Contact: Vicki Robb
vicki@jvrobb.com
703-329-3356
John Templeton Foundation
13-Oct-2003