What is the historical development of the concept of hope?5 answersThe concept of hope has evolved historically from a theological virtue in Christianity to a secular notion focused on societal transformation and individual well-being. Initially rooted in religious beliefs, hope transitioned to a program for social change during the 17th and 18th centuries, as seen in the works of thinkers like Moses Dobruska, Henri de Saint-Simon, Auguste Comte, and Émile Durkheim. In psychology, Hope Theory emerged as a cognitive-motivational framework, emphasizing goal-directed thinking and determination, distinct from related constructs like self-efficacy and optimism. Criticized in classical antiquity, hope's positive connotation today is influenced by progressive political traditions, Romantic literature, and Abrahamic faiths, sparking ongoing debates on its utility and implications. Hope's significance in promoting well-being, academic achievement, and positive youth outcomes underscores its enduring relevance across various disciplines and historical contexts.
Does Optimism and Hope Predict Prosocial Behaviors?5 answersOptimism and hope are significant predictors of prosocial behaviors across different age groups. Research indicates that optimism is linked to children's willingness to engage in moderately challenging activities while protecting them from severe risks. In adolescents, a chain mediation model suggests that social support leads to self-esteem, which in turn fosters hope, ultimately predicting prosocial behavior. Similarly, in older adults, hope is positively associated with healthy behaviors, future selves, and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of promoting hope to enhance health outcomes. Furthermore, in mid-adulthood, higher levels of optimism and social support are associated with healthier behaviors, potentially buffering the negative effects of childhood disadvantage on health-related outcomes. These findings collectively highlight the role of optimism and hope in predicting prosocial behaviors across different stages of life.
What does hope mean for patients?5 answersHope for patients is a multidimensional and dynamic mental process that plays a crucial role in their well-being. It involves positive feelings, forward-thinking, and the belief in achieving valuable and realistic outcomes. Clinicians can significantly impact patients' hope by distinguishing between hope as a statistical possibility and hope as an emotional state, thereby fostering patients' positive feelings and beliefs in achieving desired outcomes. Establishing hope as a target outcome in the therapeutic relationship between clinicians and patients can provide opportunities for both parties to find meaning in their journeys. Patients' hope is closely linked to their mental health and quality of life, influencing their adaptation, stress levels, anxiety, and problem-solving approaches. Hope is not solely about cure but also focuses on psychosocial aspects and quality of life, influenced by factors like relationships, meaningful goals, self-worth, and communication with healthcare professionals.
What are the factors influencing hope?5 answersFactors influencing hope in patients with hematological malignancies include individual personality traits, coping styles, self-esteem, and loneliness. Specifically, openness, neuroticism, rigor, self-esteem, positive response, negative response, and residential region were significantly associated with the total hope level among these patients. Self-esteem and openness were found to be positively correlated with the total mean hope score and its subdimensions. Additionally, factors influencing hope in patients who have had a stroke or spinal cord injury during rehabilitation include personal, social, and situational factors, with both positive and negative effects. Health-care professionals play a crucial role in understanding and implementing strategies to promote and maintain hope in these patient populations.
Is future savouring related to hope?4 answersFuture savouring is indeed related to hope. Research suggests that savoring positive experiences can lead to increased nostalgia for those experiences, which in turn predicts greater optimism for the future. Additionally, the quality of hope is crucial for personal well-being and is linked to other essential aspects of well-being such as meaning and purpose in life. This connection between savoring, nostalgia, hope, and optimism highlights the intricate relationship between past positive experiences, present emotions, and future outlook. Therefore, by savoring present experiences and fostering a sense of hope, individuals can potentially enhance their well-being and cultivate a more positive perspective towards the future.
What are the neural mechanisms of hope?5 answersThe neural mechanisms of hope are still largely unknown, but several studies have provided insights into this area. Trait hope, which focuses on individual goal-related thoughts, is positively associated with positive coping style (PCS). Higher levels of trait hope are associated with decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in the left frontal pole cortex (FPC). Pathway thinking, a dimension of hope, is associated with decreased ALFF in FPC and increased ALFF in the right postcentral gyrus (PCG). Additionally, hope is linked to resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between the PCG and cerebellum. Incentive hope, a related concept, may involve mechanisms of anticipation of both reward and threat, and anxious individuals show stronger potentiation of incentive motivation under conditions of reward uncertainty. Trait self-control (TSC) has been found to facilitate hope and is associated with increased ALFF in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) within the cognitive control network (CCN). TSC also mediates the association of ALFF in the MFG with hope. These findings provide a neurobiological basis for understanding hope and its relationship with coping style and self-control.