GENERAL DESCRIPTION Hope has previously been a construct more of interest to philosophy and religion than in psychology. New research has shown, however, that hope is closely related to optimism, feelings of control, and motivation toward achieving one's goals. The Handbook of Hope presents a comprehensive overview of the psychological inquiry into hope, including its measurement, its development in children, how its loss is associated with specific clinical disorders, and therapeutic approaches that can help instill hope in those who have lost theirs. A final section discusses hope in occupational applications: how the use of hope can make one a better coach, teacher, or parent. KEY FEATURES Defines hope as a construct and describes development of hope through the lifespan Provides multiple instruments for measuring hope Guides professionals in how to assess hope levels & implement hope as part of therapy Relates hope to all portions of the population Includes case studies, figures, and tables to aid understanding of research findings and concepts, discusses the importance of hope to relationships, achieving goals, and success at work Provides the most recent scientific examination of a crucial motivation -- hope Will learn about one's own hope, as well as that of loved ones, friends, etc. Will acquire an understanding of how to actually increase one's level of hope Helps to grasp the important role that hope plays in one's relationships, work, and other life arenas See how others have grappled with low hope (in case studies) so as to become more hopeful, happier, and more productive Makes you think about how to make desired changes in your own life CONTENTS: Section I:Theorizing. C.R. Snyder, Hypothesis: There is Hope. Section II:Developing and Deteriorating. C.R. Snyder, Genesis: The Birth and Growth of Hope. A. Rodriguez-Hanley and C.R. Snyder, The Demise of Hope: On Losing Positive Thinking. Section III:Measuring. S.J. Lopez, R. Ciarlelli, L. Coffman, M. Stone, and L. Wyatt, Diagnosing For Strengths: On Measuring Hope Building Blocks. Section IV:Theory Based Applications. C.R. Snyder and J.D. Taylor, Hope as a Common Factor Across Psychotherapy Approaches: A Lesson From the Dodo's Verdict. J.D. Taylor, D.B. Feldman, R.S. Saunders, and S.S. Ilardi, Hope Theory and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies. S.J. Lopez, R.K. Floyd, J.C. Ulven, and C.R. Snyder, Hope Therapy: Helping Clients Build a House of Hope. S.T. Michael, J.D. Taylor, and J. Cheavens, Hope Theory As Applied to Brief Therapies: Problem-Solving and Solution Focused Interventions. S. Sympson and M. Qualls Elder, Feminist Therapy as Empowering Hope. Section V:Applications to Specific People. D. McDermott and S. Hastings, Children: Raising Future Hopes. J. Cheavens and A. Gum, Gray Power: Hope Across the Ages. S.J. Lopez, K.P. Gariglietti, D. McDermott, E. Sherwin, R.K. Floyd, K. Rand and C.R. Snyder, Hope for the Evolution of Diversity: On Leveling the Field of Dreams. L. Curry and C.R. Snyder, Hope Takes the Field: Mind Matters in Athletic Performances. L.M. Irving and R. Cannon, Starving for Hope: Goals, Agency, and Pathways in the Development and Treatment of Eating Disorders. S. Sympson, Rediscovering Hope: Understanding and Working with Survivors of Trauma. S.T. Michael, Hope Conquers Fear: Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks. J. Cheavens, Light Through the Shadows: Depression and Hope. C. Moon and C.R. Snyder, Hope and the Journey of AIDS. J.D. Taylor, Confronting Breast Cancer: Hopes for Health. T. Elliott and M. Kurylo,Hope Over Acquired Disability: Lessons of a Young Woman's Triumph. Section VI:Societal Implications. C.R. Snyder and D.B. Feldman, Hope for the Many: An Empowering Social Agenda. Subject Index. Author Index.