Title: The Link Between Hope and Mental Health | Newport Academy
Headings: The Connection Between Hope and Mental Health
The Connection Between Hope and Mental Health
Are Teens and Young Adults Hopeful or Hopeless Right Now?
The Science of Hope
How Hope Impacts Mental Health in Young People
Research on Hope: The Impact on Anxiety and Trauma
Hope and Resilience
5 Ways to Cultivate Hope and Reduce Anxiety

Content: —Ron Carucci, Organizational Change Consultant
Research on Hope: The Impact on Anxiety and Trauma
Along with improving overall mental health, hope may also play a role in healing specific conditions, including anxiety- and trauma-related disorders. A 2020 study led by Matthew Gallagher, associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Houston, looked at the link between hope and mental health treatment for anxiety. Gallagher and his team studied how hope impacted recovery among 223 adults who were being treated for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The study concluded that “hope was a common element and a strong predictor of recovery,” said Gallagher. Research also shows that hope helps to moderate the impact of trauma, whether from military experiences, sexual assault, or other traumatic events. One study found that hope, along with optimism and social support, was associated with reduced trauma symptoms following exposure to terrorism. A 2019 study on survivors of childhood sexual abuse found that hope was associated with post-traumatic growth —positive change that occurs as a result of a traumatic event. Hope and Resilience
Resilience is key to the connection between hope and mental health. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back more quickly after adverse experiences, and to learn from those experiences.