"Hope- positive thinking and optimism that despite current adversity, things will change-is one of the most positive human emotions, regardless of present circumstances. Megan E. Edwards et al. (2025) explored the impact of hope as a robust predictor of meaning in life.[i] Meaning in life, defined as viewing life as coherent, significant, and with purpose, has been described as "essential to human functioning."[ii] Among other benefits, it boosts well-being, reduces suicidal ideation, decreases anxiety and depression, and increases happiness.[iii]"
"The researchers recognize hope as a "time-traveling positive emotion," oriented toward the future. And because the future is tied to meaning, they note that future self- projection through mental simulation creates higher meaning in life. Regarding the role of hope in tough times, Edwards et al. describe hope as an "unusual positive emotion" capable of boosting meaning in life in the midst of adversity, trauma, or uncertainty."
Hope is defined as positive thinking and optimism that things will change despite current adversity. Hope includes an expectation that a desired future is possible, a desire for that result, and a positive feeling toward that outcome. Hope is future-oriented and functions as a "time-traveling positive emotion" through future self-projection and mental simulation. Hope fuels the perception that life is coherent, significant, and purposeful, increasing meaning in life. Hope increases well-being, reduces anxiety and depression, and decreases suicidal ideation while increasing happiness. Hope can create meaning even during adversity when other positive feelings are unattainable, and six studies demonstrated that feelings of hope increase beliefs that life is meaningful.
Read at Psychology Today
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