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The anatomy of hope
Journal of the National Medical Association
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Enhancing hope, the belief that desired outcomes are achievable, can significantly improve stress coping mechanisms. This study aims to define hope and its determinants to reduce human illness.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health Sciences
- Well-being Studies
Background:
- Hope is defined as the belief in the possibility of desired outcomes.
- Current consensus suggests hope enhances stress coping by reducing fear and anxiety.
- Illness may be reduced by enhancing individual hope levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define hope and identify its determinants.
- To move the concept of hope from abstraction to a measurable health property.
- To lay the groundwork for interventions that enhance hope.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and definition of hope.
- Dissection of hope into its core components.
- Exploration of the origins and determinants of hope.
Main Results:
- Hope is characterized as a cognitive and affective state.
- Key determinants of hope include agency (goal-directed energy) and pathways (planning to meet goals).
- Hope was found to be a modifiable psychological resource.
Conclusions:
- Defining and understanding hope's components are crucial for its enhancement.
- Enhancing hope has the potential to mitigate stress and improve overall health.
- Further research into hope-enhancement strategies is warranted.