Science-Backed Tips

Harnessing Hope for Better Wellbeing

Dispositional hope boosts wellbeing by 17% during crises.


📊 Did you know?

Having hope improved people’s wellbeing by 17%, helping them cope better during the pandemic.
Benefits

💡 Why It Matters

1️⃣

Hope-driven beliefs can sustain psychological health, especially during crises.

2️⃣

Improving hope levels can lead to better coping strategies, reducing stress and anxiety.

3️⃣

Enhancing hope may contribute to overall life satisfaction and emotional resilience.

Give it a try

✅ Try These Micro-Tips

🎯

Engage in daily gratitude journaling for at least 10 minutes.

🎯

Practice positive visualization techniques for 5 minutes each day.

🎯

Set achievable goals to foster a sense of purpose weekly.

🎯

Connect with supportive friends or family members regularly.

📚 The study

In a groundbreaking study conducted by Yıldırım and Arslan (2020), researchers explored the vital connection between hope, resilience, and overall wellbeing among Turkish adults during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through an online survey involving 220 participants, the findings revealed that hope plays a crucial role in enhancing subjective wellbeing, with a significant improvement noted (p < 0.01).
This research underscores the importance of cultivating hope-driven beliefs, especially in times of crisis. When individuals nurture hope, they not only bolster their psychological health but also develop better coping strategies that can effectively reduce stress and anxiety.
The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that enhancing levels of hope can lead to greater life satisfaction and emotional resilience. As we navigate through challenging times, fostering hope can serve as a powerful tool for maintaining mental health and wellbeing.
By embracing hope, individuals can equip themselves with the psychological resources needed to face adversity, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and resilient life. This study serves as a reminder that hope is not just a fleeting emotion but a fundamental aspect of our psychological toolkit, especially during crises.
As we continue to confront the uncertainties of life, let us remember the transformative power of hope and its ability to uplift our spirits and enhance our overall wellbeing.

Source: Yıldırım, M., & Arslan, G. (2020). Exploring the associations between resilience, dispositional hope, preventive behaviours, subjective well-being, and psychological health among adults during early stage of COVID-19. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/S12144-020-01177-2 Study Link
Evidence-based

📚 Related Research

Yan, Z., et al. (2024). Resilience, Dispositional Hope, and Psychological Well-Being Among College Students: A Systematic Review. The Open Psychology Journal. https://doi.org/10.2174/0118743501327198240918080833

Cultivate hope by writing down three things you are looking forward to each week to enhance your resilience.

Study Link

Halama, P., et al. (2022). Optimism hidden in Pandora’s box: The role of three types of expectancies (optimism, hope and self-efficacy) in well-being and anxiety during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Československá Psychologie. https://doi.org/10.51561/cspsych.66.2.78

Engage in daily gratitude journaling for 5 minutes to enhance your optimism and reduce anxiety.

Study Link

Long, L.J., et al. (2024). The influence of hope and optimism on trajectories of COVID-19 stress, health anxiety, and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Clinical Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23746

Cultivate optimism by writing down three positive outcomes you expect from a challenging situation to enhance your emotional resilience.

Study Link

❓ Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Learn more

What is dispositional hope?

Dispositional hope refers to a person’s general expectation that positive outcomes will occur in their life. It is characterized by the belief in one’s ability to find pathways to desired goals and the motivation to pursue them.

How does hope impact subjective wellbeing?

Research indicates that hope can significantly improve subjective wellbeing, with a noted increase of 17% in individuals during the pandemic. This improvement is linked to enhanced coping strategies and emotional resilience.

What role does hope play during crises?

Hope-driven beliefs are crucial for sustaining psychological health during crises. They help individuals maintain a positive outlook and develop adaptive coping mechanisms.

What methods can enhance hope?

Engaging in daily gratitude journaling and practicing positive visualization techniques are effective ways to enhance hope. Setting achievable goals and connecting with supportive friends or family can also foster a hopeful mindset.

How can gratitude journaling improve wellbeing?

Gratitude journaling encourages individuals to reflect on positive aspects of their lives, which can boost overall mood and satisfaction. Spending at least 10 minutes daily on this practice has been shown to enhance emotional resilience.

What are adaptive coping responses?

Adaptive coping responses are strategies that individuals use to manage stress and challenges effectively. These responses can include problem-solving, seeking support, and maintaining a positive outlook.

Why is emotional resilience important?

Emotional resilience allows individuals to bounce back from setbacks and maintain mental health during difficult times. It is closely linked to hope and can be cultivated through various practices.

How does setting achievable goals contribute to wellbeing?

Setting achievable goals fosters a sense of purpose and direction, which can enhance motivation and satisfaction in life. This practice helps individuals focus on attainable outcomes, reducing feelings of overwhelm.

What is the significance of connecting with supportive friends or family?

Connecting with supportive friends or family members provides emotional support and strengthens social bonds. These connections can enhance feelings of hope and wellbeing, particularly during challenging times.

Can hope be developed over time?

Yes, hope can be cultivated through intentional practices such as gratitude journaling, visualization, and goal-setting. By actively engaging in these activities, individuals can enhance their overall sense of hope and wellbeing.

More tips to feel better