Agents of hope: The utility and pragmatism of hope in applied educational psychology practice

Abstract

Educational Psychologists have consistently debated the purpose and value of the profession throughout its history. Pragmatists have proposed that ideas find worth and truth in the action in which the idea prompts and the consequences of that. This paper explores the case for the use of hope as a unifying and pragmatic psychological concept for application within the field of Educational Psychology. The authors propose that hope is the common ground and language between children and young people, families, institutions and applied Educational Psychological practice. The authors highlight the evidence base for hope in the existing psychological literature and its coherence with the aims of the UK education system. The concept of hope can be utilised to help service users and commissioners to understand and value the unique contribution of Educational Psychologists, as agents of hope. The author then critically considers Hope Theory as proposed by Snyder and its application to school psychology. The authors propose a new application of Hope Theory; as a framework which can guide pragmatic consultation. Finally, the author considers how Educational Psychologists can understand and apply the ideas of good, wishful and wilful hope in guiding sustainably hopeful educational practice in schools and families.