Understanding Other-oriented Hope ― An Integral Concept Within Hope Studies

This Brief integrates the literature and research on other-oriented hope. It discusses the position of other-oriented hope as one manifestation of the broader attribute of other-interest and argues the importance of other-interest in well-being. The Brief examines definitions and attributes of other-oriented hope, based upon theoretical and empirical understandings of hope more generally. Thereafter it reviews both qualitative and quantitative research findings concerning the occurrence of other-oriented hope in several domains, including other-oriented hope among parents of ill children, other-oriented hope among caregivers and other-oriented hope among the elderly. Several theoretical frameworks for understanding the phenomenon of other-oriented hope are considered, as are the functions of and elements comprising, other-oriented hope. The differentiation of other-oriented hope and related concepts, such as compassion and love, is considered. Finally, the brief examines the application of other-oriented hope to practical work in counselling and caregiving and outlines several directions for future work on other-oriented hope.

Andrew J. Howell, Ph.D., R. Psych., is an Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and a research affiliate at Hope Studies Central, University of Alberta. His research falls within the area of positive psychology, including research on other-oriented hope; nature connectedness and well-being; and non-stigmatizing language in relation to mental disorder. Denise J. Larsen, Ph.D., R. Psych., is a Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and the Director of Hope Studies Central, University of Alberta. Her research on hope relates to counselling and educational practices and focuses especially on how hope is experienced and constructed by both clients and helping professionals during care interactions.