Mun Y. Choi, PhD, President | University of Missouri
Mun Y. Choi, PhD, President | University of Missouri
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri suggests that hope may play a more significant role in well-being than previously thought. Led by Megan Edwards and Laura King from Mizzou’s Department of Psychological Sciences, the research indicates that hope is not just linked to goal-setting but is a strong positive emotion that enhances life's meaning.
"Our research shifts the perspective on hope from merely a cognitive process related to goal attainment to recognizing it as a vital emotional experience that enriches life's meaning," stated Edwards, who now serves as a postdoctoral scholar at Duke University. This discovery could pave the way for new methods to improve psychological well-being.
The team conducted six studies involving over 2,300 participants from various backgrounds. They examined different emotions such as amusement, contentment, excitement, and happiness. Their results showed that hope was consistently associated with a stronger sense of meaning in life.
According to Laura King, experiencing life as meaningful can predict numerous positive outcomes like happiness, improved relationships, better physical health, and higher income. "Experiencing life as meaningful is crucial for just about every good thing you can imagine in a person's life," she said.
To cultivate more hope daily, the researchers recommend appreciating small positive moments and recognizing opportunities even during uncertain times. Engaging in nurturing activities can also help reinforce a hopeful mindset.
King noted that their findings might only reveal part of hope's potential impact. Future research will investigate how hope functions during challenging times with an aim to develop strategies for maintaining hope and finding meaning amidst adversity.
The study titled “Hope as a meaningful emotion: Hope, positive affect, and meaning in life” is published in the journal Emotion. Co-authors include Jordan A. Booker and Kevin Cook from Mizzou, along with Miao Miao and Yiqun Gan from Peking University in China.
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