Hope is a dynamic construct, a human strength—one that is cognitive; one that we have control over. Hope, like empathy and the growth mindset, is malleable. We get to have a hand in shaping it. Rick Snyder and colleagues (1991) originally developed the theory of hope with two cognitive tools, also referred to as a two-factor model. The first tool is the ability to develop several pathways towards a goal (Waypower). The second tool fuels our determination or agency towards pursuing those goals (Willpower). Importantly, hope involves motivation to act, which is different from optimism and self-efficacy, which are focused on beliefs only. Hope is a way of thinking, from which emotions then flow. However, that is not the whole picture. The new model of hope (Colla & colleagues, 2022) suggests we are missing two important ingredients—Whypower and Wepower. 

Whypower is an intrapersonal factor, like Willpower and Waypower. Whypower is operationalized by a search for meaning. Meaning has two components, comprehension (e.g., understanding our experiences) and purpose. Conceptualized in this way, hope gives our experiences meaning, while purpose directs our goals, and not just our individual goals. Colla and colleagues (2022) suggest that building our purpose has to do with our contributions to the ‘collective’. Purpose is never just about ourselves. It is always about another. Similarly, developmental constructs are never solely intrapersonal, individual factors. But instead, our individual person factors interact with the environment or external agents. Wepower recognizes the vital role that social relationships and social systems play in developing and sustaining hope over time. Wepower takes a front seat during adolescence as youth are striving to belong. 

How do all four factors work together?

All four of these factors interact and influence one another to build and sustain hope over time. For example, in the Narrative 4 experience, we provide a safe environment for youth to understand and make sense of their experiences (Whypower).  This sharing of experience may then build social connections (Wepower), where youth experience increased motivation (Willpower) to develop effective pathways towards their goals (Waypower).

Why do we care about hope?Because a robust body of research shows that hope is related to more positive school-related behaviors (e.g., better grades, more autonomous learning) and more adaptive psychological outcomes (e.g., higher well-being, higher self-esteem, more constructive coping strategies), even in the face of trauma. 

With loneliness and depression reaching epidemic rates among our youth, hope is needed now, more than ever. Our challenge is to think about which ‘W’ we will target in our prevention and intervention efforts. Is it helping our youth develop varied pathways to their goals? Is it helping our youth develop and keep the motivation and agency necessary to achieve their goals? Is it helping youth make sense of their experiences with positive narratives, at a time when so much is changing? Or is it connecting our youth to positive social connections where they can learn to build and sustain hopeful minds? Take the challenge to intentionally build someone’s hope today.

Sources: Colla et al., 2022; Liu et al., 2017