Robert Enright Ph.D.

About

Robert Enright, Ph.D., is a professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a licensed psychologist, and the founding board member of the International Forgiveness Institute, Inc. (internationalforgiveness.com), who pioneered the social scientific study of forgiveness. He is the author of over 120 publications, including seven books: Exploring Forgiveness, Helping Clients Forgive, Forgiveness Is a Choice, Rising Above the Storm Clouds (for children), The Forgiving Life, 8 Keys to Forgiveness, and Forgiveness Therapy. He and his colleagues have developed and tested a pathway to forgiveness, called Forgiveness Therapy, that has helped incest survivors, people in drug rehabilitation, hospice, shelters for abused women, and in cardiac units of hospitals, among others. Enright has developed Forgiveness Education programs for teachers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Athens, Greece, Liberia, Africa, and Galilee, Israel.

For his research on forgiveness, he received the APF Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology in 2022, which the American Psychological Association calls psychology’s highest award.

Books by Robert Enright Ph.D.

Recent Posts

Can We Forgive if Disrespected by Strangers on Social Media?

Research worldwide shows that cyberbullying can induce negative effects. Forgiveness can cure resentment and other effects, but how can one forgive when the offender is anonymous?

When You're Not Quite Ready to Forgive

Have you been treated unjustly by others? Have you considered forgiveness? To make an informed decision, you need to deeply understand what forgiveness is and what it isn't.

Why Is There a Backlash Against Forgiveness?

A recent essay claims no studies exist showing a cause-and-effect relationship between learning to forgive and improvement in physical or psychological health. Is that true?

Is Forgiveness Overrated? A NY Reporter Seems to Think So

Just because ideas appear in powerful media does not mean that those ideas are correct. We examine a recent article in the New York Times implying that forgiveness is "overrated."

On Being Prepared to "Spontaneously" Forgive the Unexpected

We examine here what appears to be "spontaneous" forgiveness offered quickly to those who offend. As case studies show, there's more to it than spontaneity.

6 Ways to Respond to a Partner’s Temper Tantrums

Help them look to the past and find humility and forgiveness.

Grow Proficient in Forgiveness: Practice Small Acts of Love

Sometimes it seems impossible to forgive. This is common. You can prepare your heart for forgiveness by practicing service love toward others who have not hurt you.

Complete the Forgiveness Journey With the Forgiveness Triangle

Forgiveness can get complex. As we forgive, there is work to do as the one who offended can be open to seeking forgiveness. Then, together, the two can work on reconciliation.

Five Approaches for Conquering a Partner's Selfishness

Be encouraged if your partner frustrates you by showing selfishness. This is different from narcissism, which is more entrenched. Selfishness can changed by practicing generosity.

Is Forgiveness Against Our Human Nature?

If the essence of humanity is the survival of the fittest, then forgiveness might be a bad move. Yet, what if humanity is much more than one's position in the dominance hierarchy?