Always look on the bright side of life

A groundbreaking 14-year study tracking 25,000 adults has concluded that hope is a critical factor in predicting a longer, healthier, and more prosperous life

“Unlike optimism, which is the belief that things will get better, hope is the belief that one's efforts, which include investments in human capital, will make things better," said Carol Graham, Senior Fellow at Brookings, and Redzo Mujcic, Associate Professor of Behavioural Science at Warwick Business School.

The research, published in the journal Health Economics, shows that hope greatly affects future outcomes. This includes health, education, economic stability, and social connections.

Hope as a buffer against life’s setbacks

The study showed that people with more hope tend to do better in life. They are more likely to finish education and attain better jobs. Additionally, they stay healthier and feel less lonely over time.

Crucially, the research identified hope as a powerful buffer against life’s adversities. People with more hope felt less decline in their life satisfaction. These people also bounced back quickly after major life setbacks such losing a job, health problems, or losing a loved one.

Hope vs optimism

The study’s lead authors say that hope is powerful because of its “agentic” properties. This means believing in your own ability to make a change.

The researchers found that hope links to resilience, which helps people feel more in control of their lives. This connection boosts hope's protective effects.

Declining hope in youth an early warning signal

The study shows that a lack of hope can lead to serious problems. These include worse health, less money, and, in extreme cases, early death.

Drs Graham and Mujcic warn that recent trends show younger generations are losing hope. This should be seen as a warning for future social and health problems.

The research shows the long-term effects of hope. It highlights the need to actively promote hope in society. The authors argue that interventions in education, mentoring, and supportive communities could be a low-cost but high-return investment in public health and social wellbeing.

Dr Redzo Mujcic is an Associate Professor of Behavioural Science at Warwick Business School. He teaches The Economics of Wellbeing on the Global Online MBA and the Global Online MBA (London), and Behavioural Sciences for the Manager on the Executive MBA.

Discover more about healthcare and wellbeing. Receive our Core Insights newsletter via email or LinkedIn.