Understanding Other-Oriented Hope

ThisBrief integrates the literature and research on other-oriented hope.Itdiscusses theposition ofother-oriented hope as one manifestation of the broader attribute of other-interest andargues the importance of other-interest in well-being.The Briefexamines 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.