To save your results, please log in or become a member of the Greater Good Science Center.

 
 
Don’t have an account? Register now

Forgot your password?

 

Forgiveness Quiz

How forgiving are you? When someone hurts you, are you more likely to turn the other cheek--or slash their tires?

The quiz below draws on a scale created by forgiveness research pioneer Michael McCullough and his colleagues, offering insight into how we respond to those who do us wrong.

Before starting the quiz, think about someone—a friend, a spouse, a family member, a co-worker—who has hurt you. Then respond as honestly as possible to the following 12 questions with that person in mind, indicating how much you agree or disagree with each statement.

When you’re done, you’ll learn your score and what it suggests about your typical response when someone mistreats you.

Any responses submitted here will never be shared with any organization outside the Greater Good Science Center under any circumstances, ever. All responses are anonymized and only used in aggregate for evaluation purposes.

 

1. I’ll make him/her pay.

I’ll make him/her pay.

2. I keep as much distance between us as possible.

I keep as much distance between us as possible.

3. I wish that something bad would happen to him/her.

I wish that something bad would happen to him/her.

4. I live as if he/she doesn’t exist, isn’t around.

I live as if he/she doesn’t exist, isn’t around.

5. I don’t trust him/her.

I don’t trust him/her.

6. I want him/her to get what he/she deserves.

I want him/her to get what he/she deserves.

7. I find it difficult to act warmly toward him/her.

I find it difficult to act warmly toward him/her.

8. I avoid him/her.

I avoid him/her.

9. I’m going to get even.

I’m going to get even.

10. I cut off the relationship with him/her.

I cut off the relationship with him/her.

11. I want to see him/her hurt and miserable.

I want to see him/her hurt and miserable.

12. I withdraw from him/her.

I withdraw from him/her.