Hoppfullhet

Hoppfullhet is a mental and social state characterized by expectations of favorable outcomes and motivation to pursue goals despite uncertainty. In Swedish, the term combines "hopp" (hope) and the suffix "-fullhet" (fullness), and is used in everyday language as well as in scientific discussions of motivation, well-being and resilience.

In psychology, hope is often treated as a cognitive set that involves goal-directed thoughts, perceived pathways to goals, and agency to pursue them (in line with theories such as Snyder's Hope Theory). Hoppfullhet can be differentiated from optimism, which generally denotes a stable trait or generalized expectancy that good things will happen, whereas hope can be more contingent on goal structure and actions.

Cultural and social factors influence hoppfullhet; supportive relationships, social status, and access to resources can sustain or erode it. It is associated with adaptive coping, persistence, and engagement in challenging situations; conversely, low hoppfullhet is linked to depressive symptoms and reduced problem-solving.

Measurement and assessment exist in psychological scales; in Swedish research, the construct is used across clinical, educational, and organizational contexts to understand motivation, wellbeing, and recovery processes.

See also: hope, optimism, resilience, positive psychology, coping.