Four adaptive processes transform radical uncertainty and existential threat into existential hope¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 6 claims (5 for, 1 mixed) · 2 studies (1 associational, 1 theoretical), q2 · 1 of 2 report an effect size · 6 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The framework proposes four adaptive coping processes: "embracing uncertainty, value articulation, futuring, and relational orienting." Embracing uncertainty involves distress tolerance and acceptance; value articulation draws on ACT and Schwartz's values theory; futuring involves anticipation, imagination, futures literacy, and narrative futuring exercises such as the letter from the future; relational orienting sustains hope through relationships, responsiveness, and collective commitment. The processes are interrelated, mutually reinforcing, and recursive rather than linear.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• The processes are proposed as conditions supporting existential hope; embracing uncertainty is described as creating the psychological space in which the other processes can unfold

Constraints¶

• The article states the relationship between radical uncertainty and existential hope remains to be empirically established
• The four processes are presented separately for conceptual clarity but form a dynamic recursive pattern

Target Learners¶

• Individuals and communities experiencing perceived radical uncertainty or existential threat

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Transforming experiences of uncertainty and threat into sustained hope, meaning, and agency

Claims¶

• Existing cognitive hope theories presuppose predictability and control, an assumption that breaks down under radical uncertainty [+W]
• Distress tolerance and intolerance of uncertainty are consistently associated with mental health problems [+W]
• Eco-anxiety is positively associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, per a review of 35 studies [+W]
• Fear of hope: an acquired aversion to feeling hopeful due to anticipated disappointment may block hopeful engagement [+W]
• Naive hope is negatively related to civic engagement, while existential hope is proposed to be positively associated with it [+W]
• Conscientiousness and tolerance for novelty show small negative associations with well-being decline; other uncertainty-tolerance facets do not [~W]

Related Theories¶

• Existential hope framework: a psychological stance grounded in existential trust, meaning, and agency under radical uncertainty
• Three core components of existential hope: existential trust, meaning, and agency

Examples¶

• Research agenda: develop an existential hope scale, then test the framework with SEM and network analysis in longitudinal designs

Key Sources¶

• Bohlmeijer, E., Nieuwenhuis, M., Dominguez, A. R., Klooster, P. ten, and Malboeuf-Hurtubise, C. (2026). Toward an integrative psychological framework of existential hope: navigating uncertain futures. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1850611