Why Is Hope Important?

What Is Hope?

Hope is the belief that something positive will happen through personal intervention. People are more likely to make positive changes and work toward goals when they believe in themselves and their efforts. Hope feeds into a healthy cycle of motivation, accomplishment, and cravings for additional success.

Is Hope an Emotion?

While individuals frequently refer to hope as an emotion, many theorists argue that hope is a thought pattern. According to this theory, people can direct their thoughts toward achieving goals. Additionally, hope differs from a wish in that people take action toward success. Wishing for something relies on external factors to enact change.¹

Why Is Hope Important in Life?

The importance of hope is well established. While challenges in life are inevitable, hope provides a boost of motivation and faith that positive change is coming and every problem has a solution. These expectations also fend against depression.²

Additionally, individuals are more resilient to stress when they have hope. Feeling stuck in life often stems from a lack of faith in the future, contributing to helplessness and distress when faced with difficult situations. However, having something for which to look forward makes navigating obstacles seem more feasible.³

The Importance of Hope in Relationships

Just as hope is necessary for accomplishing goals, hope is also essential for forming and maintaining healthy relationships and social connections. Hopeful people collaborate, empathize, and connect with others.⁵ Having a sense of purpose and self-confidence helps them see the positive aspects of others, even in the face of interpersonal conflict and stress. Additionally, they can better address disagreements by using problem-focused coping strategies and healthy goal-setting.

The Psychology of Hope

Theorists have defined hope as “ the perception that one can reach desired goals.” Psychologist Charles R. Snyder utilized research on this concept to develop the Hope Theory. He recognized that hope relates to goal direction, pathways, direction, agencies, or willpower.⁴

Below are the components of the Hope Theory:

• Goals: People set healthy goals for many reasons, but these aspirations are generally important enough to invest their time, energy, and efforts into.
• Pathways: In Hope Theory, pathways are plans people develop to meet their goals. More potential pathways are directly associated with high hope.
• Agency: Willpower or agency is the belief that one can work toward a goal and enact change.

Examples of Hope

Everyone hopes for different things, depending on their situation, health, relationships, and other factors. Regardless, the primary components of hope center on goal setting and planning.

Below are examples of hope:

Example 1

• Starting point: Rebecca is overweight. She knows she will feel better and healthier if she takes better care of her body.
• Goal: Rebecca aims to incorporate healthier foods into her diet and exercise into her routine.
• Willpower: Rebecca motivates herself by imagining how much better she will feel once she loses weight.
• Pathways: Rebecca plans to exercise first thing every morning and track her meals using a fitness app.

Example 2

• Starting point: Jon notices he often loses essential items in his cluttered home. He knows he can boost his mood and productivity by organizing his environment.
• Goal:  Jon plans to organize his home with labeled containers.
• Willpower: Jon knows he can organize his space with consistency and flexibility.
• Pathways: Jon plans to organize a section of his house weekly by choosing locations for each item and disposing of unnecessary ones.

Example 3 

• Starting point: Sara wants to reduce frivolous spending and save for a big vacation.
• Goal: Sarah will save enough money to plan her dream vacation over the next six months.
• Willpower: Sara knows saying “no” to compulsive shopping will be difficult, but imagining herself on vacation drives healthy financial habits.
• Pathways: Sara plans a budget for the next six months. She will review her finances weekly to ensure she sticks to her goals. She will adjust the budget accordingly if she overspends one week.

Hope & Mental Health

The benefits of hope include increased resilience and lower levels of depression and anxiety. People feel less helpless and dependent on outside forces when they believe in their abilities to facilitate change. This self-confidence supports healthy energy levels, socialization, and even immune system functioning.

Psychological Benefits of Hope

Studies show a correlation between hope and positive mental health.² People with high hopes perceive themselves as capable of success, meaning they are more open to life experiences, new relationships, and opportunities. They may gravitate toward healthy outlets for personal development and stay motivated when faced with stress. These factors can also help guard against mental health conditions.

Mental health benefits of hope may include:⁵

• Positive emotions
• Strong sense of purpose
• Less loneliness
• Increased concentration
• Greater energy levels
• Increased motivation
• Increased self-confidence
• Enhanced ability to socialize and connect

Physical Benefits of Hope

Hope has also proved positive for physical well-being. Research shows people with hope are more likely to care for their bodies by exercising and engaging in cancer prevention, such as using sunscreen, avoiding nicotine, and eating healthy.

Physical health benefits of hope may include:⁵

• Reduced risk of chronic diseases
• Decreased risk of cancer
• Increase immune system
• Greater ability to heal from injury
• Fewer medical appointments
• Fewer sensations of pain

How to Use Hope as a Coping Mechanism

Hope can be a healthy coping mechanism when facing challenges. People who visualize a happier future are more likely to make necessary changes when dealing with illness, loss, or life transitions. They can avoid feeling stuck or prolonging their issues by directing their thoughts toward goals.

You can use hope as a coping skill by establishing important, measurable goals and envision yourself accomplishing them. Even when challenges come, focus on establishing strategies to stay on track toward your intended success. Accept unforeseen challenges and develop solutions when needed.

Why Is Cultivating Hope Hard?

One of the primary challenges when cultivating hope is finding strength amid difficulties. Establishing self-confidence to enact change can feel impossible when coping with depression or in a situation that seems unbearable.

For this reason, developing hope via small goals is more realistic and logically achievable when struggling. This way, hope has opportunities to grow as you gain insight into solutions. Allow some flexibility as you face new stressors, situations, and challenges.

When to Seek Professional Help for a Lack of Hope

Sometimes, hope feels impossible to find. In these cases, finding the right therapist is crucial. Consider asking for support if you struggle to define achievable goals or motivation. Additionally, living with long-lasting depression or anxiety can leave you feeling incapable of establishing hope. Regardless of your situation, therapy can assist your search for purpose, self-awareness, and drive.