Existential hope framework: a psychological stance grounded in existential trust, meaning, and agency under radical uncertainty¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (2 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The article proposes an integrative framework in which existential hope is "a foundational psychological stance toward life and the future, grounded in existential trust, sustained by a sense of meaning, and expressed through agency" even under uncertainty and perceived threat. Hope is existential when sustained by belief in a possible good life even when current developments contradict such a future. The framework (Figure 1) runs from contextual factors through adaptive processes to existential hope and outcomes such as well-being and civic engagement.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A psychometrically sound measure of existential hope is needed before the framework can be tested empirically

Constraints¶

• The framework is conceptual; the article states the relationship between radical uncertainty and existential hope remains to be empirically established
• The authors conceptualize the relationships as cyclical and recursive rather than linear, with feedback loops from outcomes back to hope

Target Learners¶

• Individuals facing existential disruption such as climate anxiety, chronic illness, or cultural marginalization

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Sustaining engagement, purpose, and action when goals are indeterminate and the future cannot be clearly envisioned

Claims¶

• Existing cognitive hope theories presuppose predictability and control, an assumption that breaks down under radical uncertainty [+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]

Related Theories¶

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