Does Hope Reverberate Between Generations?

Intergenerational transmission refers to the transmission of stories, traits, abilities, ideas, behaviors, and various outcomes from parents to their children. To date, there has been little research on the intergenerational transmission of positive behavior, traits, and actions. To determine whether hope may be transmitted from one generation to the next, a qualitative study was performed, using narrative inquiry and thematic analysis. Over 4 months, four mothers of children with mental illness were engaged in repeated conversations about stories of hope related to their past and how they envisioned hope in their children. Findings indicated that hope could be transmitted to the next generation, either explicitly (verbally) or implicitly (i.e., expressed through actions involving one's children). We conclude that also positive patterns may be transmitted both explicitly and implicitly from one generation to the next. Transmitting hope between generations played a significant role in the mothers' experiences of hope.

Imbuing Occupations with Spiritual Significance Fosters Experiences of Hope.

In theories of occupational therapy, occupation serves as a conduit for creating meaning and well-being. A crucial component of occupational therapy is developing and maintaining hope of clients during periods of major difficulty. Understanding the relationship between hope and occupation can prove helpful in stressful situations, such as caring for children with chronic illnesses. The aim of the present study was to identify occupations that foster experiences of hope among mothers of adult children with mental illness. A qualitative approach, informed by a constructivist framework and thematic analysis, was used to interpret and explicate relevant occupation-related themes that fostered hope in four mothers. The mother-participants reported engaging in various occupations, yet only occupations that were imbued with spiritual significance fostered experiences of hope. This study brings to the forefront of occupational therapy discourse the issue of spiritual connectedness as a potential link between occupations and hope.

The efficacy of the Strength, Hope and Resourcefulness Program for people with Parkinson's disease (SHARP-PWP): A mixed methods study.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of PD focuses on improving symptoms and quality of life, yet research has not examined interventions aimed at promoting hope in patients. This study examined the effects of a Strength, Hope, and Resources Program for People with PD (SHARP-PWP), based on the principles of positive psychology. METHODS: A mixed method design examined the effects of a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial of SHARP-PWP. 31 PD patients diagnosed in the last 5 years (average age = 66; 13 men, 18 women) participated in a 6-session program. All participants completed self-report measures at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. After the program, 15 participants completed a semi-structured interview. Qualitative interview data were analyzed using Interpretive Description. RESULTS: No significant differences in improvement were found between the Immediate and Delayed intervention groups. However, significant effects for time (i.e., pre-treatment to post-treatment) were found for health-related quality of life and well-being in both Immediate and Delayed conditions. Additional quantitative analysis revealed significant improvement in both groups on hope from pre-treatment to follow-up. Qualitative findings revealed that clients identified social, emotional, behavioral and cognitive changes experienced in the group. CONCLUSIONS: Participating in positive psychology research improved health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and mental health and patients identified additional benefits at 6-week follow-up. Our results provide insight about the placebo effect and Hawthorne pre-placebo effects in the context of PD research. The findings can inform trial design and clinical care of patients with PD.

Understanding hope in the face of an HIV diagnosis and high-risk behaviors.

The purpose of this article is to: (a) explore and describe experiences of hope in the context of high-risk behaviors; and (b) identify sources of hope for participants dealing with an HIV diagnosis. Following qualitative case study methodology along with philosophical hermeneutics, 12 people diagnosed with HIV or AIDS were interviewed to understand their experiences of hope. Participants were selected based on self-report for continuing or increasing high-risk behaviors following diagnosis. Results include participant descriptions of hope as well as five higher order categories that highlight sources of hope following an HIV diagnosis. Implications for treatment of those newly diagnosed and engaged in high-risk behaviors are discussed.

HIV peer counseling and the development of hope: perspectives from peer counselors and peer counseling recipients.

Peer counseling is becoming an increasingly viable treatment option when working with people living with HIV and AIDS, especially during the diagnostic process. Unfortunately, little research has looked at the perceived benefits of peer counseling from the perspectives of clients receiving the services and those providing the services. In addition, research suggests that hope can help people living with HIV to deal with the HIV diagnosis and to improve their lifestyles; however, the authors were unable to locate any research exploring the benefits of peer counseling in fostering the hope of people living with HIV/AIDS. The present paper, following a community-based research paradigm embedded within a qualitative case study methodology explores the benefits of peer support counseling from the perspective of 12 participants living with HIV who have had experiences with peer counseling. Participants identified several thematic benefits of peer support counseling, including the role of peer counselors in the process of fostering hope. Roles and benefits of peer counseling, in relation to the facilitation of hope for people living with HIV/AIDS, suggest potentially interesting implications for future research and practice in HIV/AIDS care.