Common Hope: A New Integrated Hope Conceptualisation Informed by Interdisciplinary and Historical Perspectives with Initial Scale Validation

Abstract

Hope studies is a growing research field in psychology, and four novel contributions in understanding hope are presented in this thesis. First, the development of a new integrated conceptualisation of hope called Common Hope is described. The aim was to develop a model that resonates with the word's use in lay understanding, for the 'common' person, as well as 'common' across the main disciplines that have articulated hope in the Western world. It was therefore derived from an in-depth, contextually sensitive exploration of hope in interdisciplinary (philosophical and theological) scholarship in the history of the West, as well as research in contemporary psychology. Second, the construction of a corresponding conceptually dense and user-friendly Common Hope Scale is presented, including its initial psychometric validation. This measurement tool includes a unique aspect in hope scales of involving mental imagery. Third, the fruitful use of this scale in psychological research is demonstrated, including better understanding some aspects of the experience of hope in the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Australia, as well as existential hopes for humanity. Lastly, ideas for adapting Common Hope concepts as a constructive framework in psychological therapy are provided.