What is "hope?" How do the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours of higher
hope individuals differ from those of their lower hope peers? What
different outcomes do these two groups experience and what contribution
does hope appear to make to them? These are some of the questions
addressed in this book. Using grounded theory methodology, Dr. Alexander
has produced an inductively-derived model of hope comprising five
themes: 1) The Initiating Context involving perceptions of challenge and
uncertainty; 2) Temporal Comparisons concerning imagining a desired
future, being dissatisfied with the present, and drawing on past
lessons; 3) Developing Strategies including setting goals based on
values, planning, and taking action; 4) Drawing on Personal and Social
Resources; and 5) an Openness and Flexibility about Outcomes that
includes benefit-finding. Investigating hope from an interdisciplinary
perspective by drawing on understanding expressed in philosophical,
theological, psychiatric, nursing, psychological and "lay" literatures,
Dr. Alexander has lifted the veil on the complex yet vital human
resource we call "hope."