What do experiences of hope feel like? A mixed-method approach

The present research examined the subjective experience of hope through the dimensions of perceived valence, arousal and co-occurring feeling states. In quantitative Study 1a, U.S. participants (N = 185) self-reported on the valence, arousal and co-existing emotions of hopeful experiences. In qualitative Study 1b, U.S. participants (N = 76) completed a semi-structured interview, and we explored the emotions present in narratives of hope. Findings show that hope was generally characterized by positive valence and energized arousal. However, hope also frequently involved the co-presence of negative affect (e.g. anxiety/fear) and lower arousal states (e.g. relief). Greater perceived certainty was associated with the presence of greater negative affect and calm arousal, and perceived agency in God was associated with the presence of greater calm arousal. Content-coding of co-occurring emotions revealed themes of social, future-oriented and engagement feeling states. Together, these findings suggest that hope is a multifaceted emotional experience that encompasses mixed valence and arousal states.