The Duality of Hope and Hopelessness: Impacts on Relationship Intimacy, Mental Health, and Community Engagement

Hope and hopelessness are pivotal in shaping emotional resilience, mental health, and social practices. This review redefines hope and hopelessness, analyzes generational differences, and evaluates potential impacts on interpersonal relationships. We analyzed existing literature and created a framework of how intersectional factors and lived experience dictate one’s perception of hope and hopelessness. Our findings suggest that hope is positively correlated with stronger interpersonal bonds and safer relational practices, whilst hopelessness is associated with heightened stress, reduced sociability, and increased intimate violence (IPV). This understanding offers practical insights for interventions aimed at cultivating hope and mitigating hopelessness across generations, ultimately fostering stronger relationships and improving well-being among populations.