The construct of Hope

All of us spoke hope phrases like, “I hope that doesn’t happen.” “I hope the test comes out negative.” “I hope our daughter is going to be ok tonight.” Understanding Hope and how we use it can influence our behavior. It can also bolster positivity to our lives.

            Many centuries ago, Hope originally was considered irrational during Greek times. The Christian interpretation of Hope is described as a motivation of behavior when faith is low or absent. During the Enlightenment period, hope is seen as both good and evil. The current zeitgeist promotes Hope as a positive construct.

            There are multiple ways to define Hope according to the discipline and theory involved. Hope is a multidimensional positive construct that includes both cognitions and behaviors. It is assumed that hope phrases include a desire for something and some uncertainty. You may not realize it, but when you state a phrase including Hope, you are actually biasing your cognitions and behaviors in favor of that particular ‘Hope’ phrase.

            Some hope phrases are not behaviorally driven. Phrases such as, “I hope Deer Creek wins their game tonight.” is not behaviorally driven. What that means is the phrase is not driven by OUR behavior. There is nothing a fan can do to make the hope phrase come true. Encouragement is always good from the sideline, but you are not physically playing the game to fulfill the hope phrase.

            Other hope phrases are behaviorally driven, such as: “I hope I get this report done on time.” Your own behavior can actually help make this hope phrase come true. Often when Hope is high, individuals embrace positive self-talk, using phrases such as, “Come on, I know I can do this!” and “Nothing can stop me now!” Phrases like these are goal-directed. Hope gives direction and motivation to complete a goal. The individual will develop strategies that produce positive outcomes.

            Hope can lower anxiety. When a student is handed their final examination in class, they can use hope phrases and self-talk to bias their behavior and develop strategies toward a positive outcome. Parents and educators can support their students by using hope phrases in home and in academic settings, respectively. In a 2011 study, a student’s level of Hope positively predicted a student’s GPA. Due to Hope influencing goal attainment strategies, students often become more engaged in their academic studies. Also, students with higher Hope display more academic competence and are able to adjust better if goal attainment fails.

           Hope is a personality trait that can be sculpted. The more you use it, the more it effects outcomes. Hope encourages self-efficacy. Individuals with high levels of Hope believe in their own capability for completing goals. It heals and it saves. It is called Hope.