Hope that Benefits Others: A Systematic Literature Review of Hope Theory and Prosocial Outcomes

Abstract

This systematic literature review serves to illuminate the state of research that examines empirical evidence of hope and other-oriented variables (i.e. benefit individuals other than those who are being measured in the included studies). Thirteen articles were eligible for inclusion after the screening process and snowballing. Hope was positively related to variables such as social support seeking, altruism, community and social participation, and acting in favor of helping others. Data from the included studies revealed that individuals who score high on hope perform more behaviors that benefit others. These findings indicate that Hope Theory might provide a small glimpse into its definition of hope as a virtue that benefits others. This systematic review points to the dearth of research of hope as an individual difference that benefits others, but the potential of this line of inquiry.