Abstract
Hope comprises two components: agency (" goal directed determination" ) and pathways (" planning of ways to meet goals" ). We tested whether these two components can be dissociated and therefore differentially predict dropout from two unguided self-help interventions to reduce worry (gratitude vs. thought monitoring and cognitive restructuring interventions, N=247 entered, 136 completed).
The two hope components significantly predicted attrition in opposite directions; agency predicted completion (OR=2.15, CI=1.27-3.64, p=.004), whereas pathways predicted dropout (OR=.47, CI=.29-.77, p=.003). Gratitude and thought monitoring reduced worry compared a wait list control, and for completers there was no difference in outcome.
Conclusion: hope facets can be dissociated; gratitude techniques are as effective and have better retention than a technique commonly used in cognitive behavior therapy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 155-158 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Journal of Research in Personality |
| Volume | 44 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Attrition
- Gratitude
- Hope
- Intervention
- Positive psychology
- Self-help
- Worry