Key points

Hope is a robust predictor of experiencing meaning in life.

Hope boosts well-being, decreases anxiety, and increases happiness.

As a “time-traveling positive emotion,” hope is future-oriented.

Hope creates meaning even when other positive feelings are unattainable.

Hope— positive thinking and optimism that despite current adversity, things will change—is one of the most positive human emotions, regardless of present circumstances. How exactly does hope change current perspective? Research explains.

Hope Predicts Meaning in Life

Megan E. Edwards et al. (2025) explored the impact of hope as a robust predictor of meaning in life. [i] Meaning in life, defined as viewing life as coherent, significant, and with purpose, has been described as “essential to human functionin

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