Psychologists discuss the necessity of hope in challenging times, including its difference from optimism. They explore the consequences of losing hope and how it can be nurtured and cultivated. The power of hope is examined, including its role in navigating adversity and inspiring social change.
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Quick takeaways
Hope is a necessity that acts as a buffer against adversity and fosters a sense of well-being.
Hope goes beyond optimism by incorporating a plan of action and a sense of agency to make the desired future a reality.
Deep dives
Importance of Hope in Adversity
Hope plays a crucial role in helping people navigate through stress and trauma. It acts as a buffer against adversity and fosters a sense of well-being. Hope is defined as the belief that the future can be better than the present and that individuals have the power to make it so.
Difference between Hope, Optimism, and Confidence
While optimism is the expectation of positive outcomes, hope goes further by adding a plan of action to bring about those outcomes. It incorporates a sense of agency and the understanding that one can take steps to make the desired future a reality.
Cultivating Hope and its Impact
Hope can be cultivated at any stage of life, even in the face of adversity. It is nurtured through asking big questions and imagining desired outcomes. Recognizing and overcoming barriers is an important aspect of fostering hope. Hope is found through individual and collective efforts, social connections, and faith in oneself and the possibilities of the future.
When the news is filled with war and climate change and other disasters, remaining hopeful about the future can feel impossible. But psychologists’ research has found that hope is not an unrealistic luxury, but a necessity. Jacqueline Mattis, PhD, of Rutgers University, and Chan Hellman, PhD, of the University of Oklahoma, discuss the difference between hope and optimism, why cultivating hope can help people facing adversity and trauma, and what all of us can do to find hope in trying and uncertain times.