Analysis Of The Fundamental Attribution Error

This book explains all there is to know about the subject of forgiveness. It meticulously explains what forgiveness is, why it can be challenging, the psychological and spiritual benefits to forgiveness, how to forgive, and gives many examples of true forgiveness. The authors express in detail what true forgiveness looks like and how letting go of the pain others inflict upon you can provide a chance at renewing the relationship and healing. The book explains how unforgiveness can spin you into a traumatic cycle of hatred and bitterness and how to break the cycle, even in the most difficult of situations. McCullough, Sandage, and Worthington’s To Forgive is Human: How to Put Your Past in the Past was published in 1997 (InterVarsity Press [Downers

The authors explain the Fundamental Attribution Error, and how it corresponds with our perception of other people and our response when someone makes a mistake- yet given the same mistake but under our own guilt, we perceive ourselves as more worthy of forgiveness. I think this is a really important concept to understand forgiveness. The book offers four steps to “uproot” the fundamental attribution error. McCullough explains we must first “Consider your attributions about your offender.” This goes to say that there are most likely external factors to the way the offender acted and they probably didn’t hurt you because that’s part of their character. Secondly, “Consider your attributions about your own behavior.” Often times, you may come to realize that a situation could have been handled differently based on your reaction and whether or not you provoked your offender. Thirdly, “Take a moral inventory.” By this, the authors suggest you should think about hurtful thoughts or words you have said about other people. This brings realization that you too are flawed. And lastly, “Evaluate.” By this step you “develop a greater sense that you are as ‘responsible’ for your hurtful behavior as your offender is for his or hers” (pg. 136). Many times, we really just need to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and we will realize that often people really aren’t as bad as they seem. The book explains how regularly our barrier to

The authors are clearly scholars in their field of psychology, speaking intelligently on a wide range of psychological concepts. Yet, their style remains conversational and easy to comprehend; it is not written is such a way as to come off as “over your head.” Their personal stories are at times humorous, often relatable, and completely helpful. Their collaboration on this book has sparked an interest to read other books written by McCullough, Sandage, and Worthington.

Michael McCullough, Ph. D., is a psychologist and author. He served as director of research for the National Institute for Healthcare Research (NIHR) in Rockville, Maryland. He is the director of an Evolution and Human Behavior Laboratory and Psychology professor at the University of Miami. He wrote: Beyond Revenge: The Evolution of the Forgiveness Instinct, To Forgive Is Human: How to Put Your Past in the