Nov 28, 2025 · Hope is a practical, evidence-based strategy for navigating uncertainty, adversity, and everyday life. It’s a radical practice that keeps us well in a world that often isn’t. The topic of hope is low-hanging fruit for pop culture and even politics: Not all that long ago, one US president hailed from a town called Hope, and another campaigned on it. But hope is also beginning to reveal its value in scientific studies. Among young adults with chronic illnesses, greater degrees of hope are associated with improved coping, ...See full list on health.harvard.eduHope can be a particularly powerful protector against the dread of a chronic or life-threatening illness. It needn't center on a cure to be useful, though those aspirations are enticing. Rather, a person's hope — even when facing an illness that will likely end their life — can be aimed at finding joy or comfort. It can be cultivated and focused on...See full list on health.harvard.eduWhen grounded in realism, hope serves many positive functions. Yet hope beyond the possible is a recipe for eventual disappointment and disillusionment. Unrealistic expectations can keep people from embracing moments of comfort and joy in the here and now, as they continue to look in the distance toward a mirage. Focusing on unrealistic expectation...See full list on health.harvard.eduApr 15, 2026 · Hope is more than a feeling. Learn why hope is important for resilience, health, and relationships — and how to cultivate more of it deliberately. Jun 28, 2025 · Researchers like Dr. Shane Lopez, a leading expert in hope psychology, found that hopeful people are more likely to set goals, believe in their ability to achieve them, and find multiple pathways when they face obstacles. Oct 28, 2025 · According to the foundational work of psychologist Charles R.