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Holding grudges is harmful

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-08 13:40

Revenge may be sweet, but it could damage your health and make you unhappier than most other people, according to a study by German and Belgian researchers.

The study conducted among 20,000 people by the universities of Bonn and Maastricht also reveals that people who like to pay back perceived injustices also have fewer friends and are less satisfied with life.

The researchers wanted to find out what influence character traits, such as positive and negative acts of reciprocation, had on "success" and "satisfaction with life".

People in the poll were asked to what extent they would reciprocate an act of kindness or in contrast pay back an insult.

The study also reveals that positively inclined people are more willing to work longer hours but only if they perceive their wages as being fair.