Main description:

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.

Contents:

Chapter 1. Introduction to Other-Oriented Hope.- Chapter 2. Other-Oriented Hope Reflects an Orientation toward Others.- Chapter 3. Definitions and Attributes of Hope and their Application to Other-Oriented Hope.- Chapter 4. Research Yielding Evidence of Other-Oriented Hope.- Chapter 5. Origins and Consequences of Other-Oriented Hope, and Theoretical Frameworks Relevant to its Understanding.- Chapter 6. Other-Oriented Hope and Related Concepts.- Chapter 7. Outstanding Issues, Future Directions, Clinical Applications, and Conclusions.