How to Hope

What is "hope?" How do the thoughts, feelings, and
behaviours of higher hope individuals differ from
those of their lower hope peers? What different
outcomes do these two groups experience and what
contribution does hope appear to make to them? These
are some of the questions addressed in this book.
Using grounded theory methodology, Dr. Alexander has
produced an inductively-derived model of hope
comprising five themes: 1) The Initiating Context
involving perceptions of challenge and uncertainty;
2) Temporal Comparisons concerning imagining a
desired future, being dissatisfied with the present,
and drawing on past lessons; 3) Developing Strategies
including setting goals based on values, planning,
and taking action; 4) Drawing on Personal and Social
Resources; and 5) an Openness and Flexibility about
Outcomes that includes benefit-finding.
Investigating hope from an interdisciplinary
perspective by drawing on understanding expressed in
philosophical, theological, psychiatric, nursing,
psychological and "lay" literatures, Dr. Alexander
has lifted the veil on the complex yet vital human
resource we call "hope."