Understanding Other-Oriented Hope

By: Andrew J. Howell and Denise J. Larsen

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Synopsis: 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.