Hope and Helping in Social Work

Abstract

Recently social work researchers and writers have started to explore again the role of hope. The importance of hope is examined in social work practice with particular client groups, such as younger, older and disabled people, people encountering mental health problems, illness and bereavement and for social workers themselves. The various theoretical and research underpinnings of the concept of hope are examined. Consideration is given to issues associated with the concept and how knowledge and understanding of hope might be developed further in social work. Hope is perceived by some as co-occurring, co-existing in a relationship with despair and by others as also having a ‘maintenance’ and ‘enhancement’, as well as a ‘repair’ function. The development of hope in theology, philosophy, psychology, psychiatry, nursing and counselling is analysed. Hope is considered as a virtue, a generalised and particularised concept, as an emotion and as cognition. The content of, and contrast between, emotion focused and cognitively based hope models is explored. Implications for social work education, organisations and social work practice are discussed.