While Happiness Is Important, It Is When Hope Is Lost That Humans Struggle

Understanding the Vital Role of Hope in Human Resilience and Wellbeing

The Interplay Between Happiness and Hope

It is a universal truism that happiness occupies a cherished place in the human heart. From ancient philosophies to modern psychology, the pursuit of happiness has been considered the ultimate goal. But as much as happiness is desired, it is not always attainable or sustainable. Life’s unpredictable ebb and flow can dim even the brightest smiles. More crucially, when hope evaporates—when the belief that things can improve, or that meaning can be found even in adversity, is lost—humans begin to truly struggle. Hope, it seems, is the lifeline that enables endurance, adaptation, and survival in the face of suffering.

Why Hope Matters More Than Happiness

Happiness is often described as a fleeting emotional state: a feeling of pleasure, contentment, or joy. It may come and go, influenced by external circumstances, luck, or even biological factors. Hope, on the other hand, is a deeper cognitive and emotional stance—a conviction that, despite challenges, a future worth living for is possible.

When hope is lost, the human spirit faces its greatest peril. Viktor Frankl, famed psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, wrote in his seminal work Man’s Search for Meaning that in the concentration camps, those who lost hope quickly succumbed to despair and physical decline. Hope motivated prisoners to endure the unimaginable, to believe in survival or rescue, or simply to find meaning in suffering.

Research from the field of positive psychology backs this up. Studies indicate that hope predicts resilience, wellbeing, and even recovery from trauma, whereas happiness alone does not necessarily protect against hardship. Psychologist C.R. Snyder’s Hope Theory proposes that hope consists of goals, pathways, and agency—the belief that one can find ways to achieve desired outcomes. Without these components, individuals experience helplessness, passivity, and a sense of defeat.

When Hope Is Threatened: Real-Life Examples

·       Captivity and Hostage Situations: Hostages held for months or years often report that their greatest struggle was not the deprivation of comfort or the presence of fear—but the creeping loss of hope. Terry Waite, held captive for nearly five years in Lebanon, described how he coped with solitary confinement by clinging to the possibility of eventual release and mentally constructing “future projects.” The American POWs in Vietnam, as recounted by Admiral James Stockdale, relied on tiny acts of defiance and shared messages to maintain hope, even when their situation seemed hopeless.

·       Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic: In the spring of 2020, entire populations faced lockdowns, uncertainty, and the disruption of daily life. While many sought small pleasures—baking bread, watching movies—the deeper challenge was maintaining hope: hope for an end to isolation, for loved ones’ safety, or for societal recovery. Studies conducted during the pandemic by the University of Pennsylvania found that people who retained hope (even amidst worry) were more resilient and less likely to report depression, compared to those who only sought distraction or short-term happiness.

Why Do Humans Struggle Without Hope?

The loss of hope erodes meaning. Without a sense of purpose or the possibility of change, motivation declines. This is evident in “learned helplessness,” a concept studied by Martin Seligman: when individuals believe their actions have no effect on outcomes, they cease trying, even in situations where escape or improvement becomes possible. Depression and anxiety are closely linked to hopelessness.

Physiologically, prolonged hopelessness can affect the body as well as the mind. Chronic stress, immune suppression, and a lack of energy are common. In extreme cases, the absence of hope has been linked to a higher risk of suicide, as seen in clinical studies.

How to Cope When Hope Falters

Hope is not an inborn trait—it can be cultivated, restored, and protected, even in the bleakest circumstances.

Practical Steps to Rekindle Hope

·       Set Small, Achievable Goals: When the future seems overwhelming, break it into manageable pieces. Prisoners of war often survived by focusing on the next meal, the next sunrise, or a coded message from a fellow captive. During the pandemic, people set daily routines and celebrated small victories, such as finishing a puzzle or making a phone call.

·       Connect with Others: Isolation breeds despair. Finding community—even virtually, through letters, or shared ritual—can restore a sense of belonging and possibility. During captivity, hostages have constructed elaborate “mental communities” or communicated through taps and signals. In lockdown, digital connections proved lifesaving.

·       Find Meaning in Suffering: Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy urges individuals to search for meaning even when happiness is impossible. This could be a commitment to survive for someone else, to bear witness, or to learn from hardship. Research shows that people who frame adversity as meaningful, rather than senseless, report higher hope and lower distress.

·       Practice Mindfulness and Acceptance: Sometimes, hope is not about changing circumstances, but about accepting them without surrender. Mindfulness meditation, journaling, and self-compassion techniques help individuals acknowledge pain without being overwhelmed by it. By focusing on the present moment, people can reduce anxiety about the unknown future.

·       Visualize a Positive Outcome: Imagining a positive future, even when evidence is scarce, can inspire creative problem-solving. Olympic athletes use visualization to overcome setbacks; survivors of trauma have described “seeing” their return home long before it happened.

Research Insights

Numerous studies highlight the protective power of hope. A 2019 meta-analysis in the journal Clinical Psychology Review found that hope significantly reduces the risk of depression and improves coping in trauma survivors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey published in The Lancet Psychiatry showed hope was the strongest predictor of psychological resilience, outstripping both social support and happiness.

Snyder’s Hope Scale, used in clinical practice, helps individuals measure and cultivate hope by identifying goals and pathways. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, such as reframing negative thoughts and problem-solving, are especially effective for those struggling with hopelessness.

Stories of Triumph: Examples of Hope in Adversity

·       Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, much of it in isolation. He described hope as a “weapon” and maintained it by envisioning reconciliation and freedom for South Africa. His eventual release and leadership in ending apartheid is a testament to hope’s power.

·       Hostage Survivors: Elizabeth Smart, abducted as a teenager, survived months in captivity by focusing on memories of home and faith in rescue, refusing to relinquish hope even when circumstances were dire.

·       Pandemic Frontline Workers: During COVID-19’s darkest days, medical staff worked exhausting shifts believing their efforts would make a difference, clinging to hope for a return to normalcy. Many found hope in teamwork, patient recoveries, and community support.

Conclusion: Cultivating Hope for Enduring Wellbeing

While happiness is a valuable and worthy pursuit, hope is the deeper undercurrent that sustains human life through hardship. When hope disappears, the struggle intensifies, and suffering becomes all-encompassing. Yet hope can be learned and fostered—through connection, meaning-making, achievable goals, and conscious effort. The examples of those who have endured captivity, trauma, and global crises remind us that hope is not only important; it is essential.

For readers facing difficult times, remember: happiness may visit in moments, but hope is the companion that endures. Seek support, set small goals, and allow yourself to believe in the possibility of change. In doing so, you may discover resilience that neither time nor trouble can erase.