On Hope:

Designed as a participatory action research project across a two-month period (1 October- 30 November 2025), the study aims to understand how individuals experience, sustain, and mobilize hope in their work and in their daily lives.

The study will also serve as a convening space for collective reflection. Participants in the study are considered to be co-researchers who will meaningfully contribute to the analysis and findings of the study. Co-development and co-authorship will be welcome for the expected research outputs, including publications, facilitation and training materials, and contributions to curriculum development.

Participation in the study is estimated to involve 8 hours of engagement across the study, including:

·       A 20-minute intake conversation with the lead researcher (1-9 October 2025- kindly reserve your time via this link) to meet, explore personal aims for involvement in the study, and to review the consent form

·       Six facilitated group calls, held Fridays (10 October- 14 November) via Zoom from 15:00-16:00 (CEST/CET)

·       Completion of the Adult Hope Scale and the Locus of Hope Scale (short form) at the beginning of the research period

·       Access to readings and resources related to hope, including literature from psychology, sociology and philosophy, as well as non-fiction essays and podcasts

·       Weekly journal prompts with the possibility of sharing with other participants in the study

·       An online Focus Group Discussion the week of 17 November to discuss preliminary results of research

All personal information will be kept confidential unless a participant chooses to be identified. Any data generated during the study will be stored securely and used only for the purposes of this research. Participants may choose to share any data anonymously or with attribution. Participation is voluntary and not remunerated. Participants may withdraw or take a pause from the study.  While the lead researcher has been trained in trauma-informed approaches, participants should be aware that difficult subject matter may arise in the discussions, readings and reflection exercises; participants are thus encouraged to seek psychological support if needed.