10% Happier with Dan Harris The Science of Hope | Jacqueline Mattis
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May 4, 2022 Join clinical psychologist Dr. Jacqueline Mattis, a Dean at Rutgers University, as she unpacks the science of hope. She reveals how hope can be cultivated as a mental skill and shares insights from her research on spirituality in African-American and Afri-Caribbean communities. Explore the balance between genuine hope and unrealistic optimism, and the transformative power of belief. Dr. Mattis also shares practical strategies for setting goals and embracing uncertainty to foster resilience amid challenges.
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Family History and Faith
- Jacqueline Mattis's mother emphasized the inexplicable journey of their family from slavery to academic success.
- She attributed this to faith and an unwavering optimism, inspiring Mattis's research on belief.
Spirituality vs. Religiosity
- People can be motivated by spirituality to do good, even without religious belief.
- Spirituality, distinct from religiosity, is about appreciating the sacredness of life and acting accordingly.
Hope's Downside
- Unrealistic optimism or misguided hope can lead to dangerous risks and poor decisions.
- Hope can also cause inaction, like the bystander effect, due to the expectation that others will intervene.