A groundbreaking new study from the University of Missouri has found that hope, not happiness or gratitude, is the key emotional force underpinning a sense of meaning in life. This discovery challenges widely held beliefs about the drivers of well-being and suggests far-reaching implications for mental health and resilience, both globally and here in Thailand.
Traditionally, happiness and gratitude have been at the centre of discussions on how to lead a good and satisfying life. Thai society, with its deep reverence for “sanuk” (enjoyment) and frequent encouragement of “kreng jai” (gratitude and social harmony), echoes these themes. However, the latest research reveals that while these feelings are valuable, it is hope—the forward-looking expectation that things can improve—that gives life its deepest sense of purpose and direction (Earth.com; Show Me Mizzou).
Over the course of six scientific experiments involving more than 2,300 participants from diverse backgrounds, the research team led by academics from the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri analysed a wide range of positive emotions—amusement, excitement, contentment, and happiness among them. Surprisingly, only hope consistently and robustly predicted a stronger sense of meaning in life. “Our research shifts the perspective on hope from merely a cognitive process related to goal attainment to recognizing it as a vital emotional experience that enriches life’s meaning,” said the study’s lead investigator, now a postdoctoral scholar at Duke University. Professor Laura King, a senior co-author, added, “Experiencing life as meaningful is crucial for just about every good thing you can imagine in a person’s life. This cornerstone of psychological functioning is not a rare experience—it is available to people in their everyday lives, and hope is one of the things that make life feel meaningful” (Show Me Mizzou).
These findings matter deeply to Thai readers. Against the backdrop of mounting mental health challenges—from the stress and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to ongoing political and environmental uncertainties—understanding the psychological mechanisms that foster resilience is paramount. In Thailand, rates of depression and suicide have shown worrying trends, particularly among youth and working-age adults (WHO Thailand). Integrating hope as a focal point of mental well-being strategies might help chart a new path toward more effective prevention and recovery.
What sets hope apart from happiness or gratitude? The research suggests that—while happiness is often linked to pleasurable moments and gratitude to past good fortune—hope is inherently future-oriented. It helps people envision that tomorrow can be better than today, even amid adversity. This outlook is not about wishful thinking or denying reality. “Hope helps people move through hard times, not by pretending things are perfect, but by allowing them to imagine that things could improve” (Earth.com).
The “staying power” of hope also sets it apart. Unlike the fleeting emotions of joy or the transitory sense of satisfaction from a compliment or achievement, hope persists even through difficulties. This resilience-enhancing quality echoes Buddhist teachings common in Thailand, which emphasise impermanence and the potential for growth and transformation after suffering (see Hope as a meaningful emotion: Hope, positive affect, and meaning in life – APA PsycNet).
From a health and education perspective, the implications for Thailand are vast. In schools, integrating lessons on hope alongside emotional regulation and mindfulness could cultivate stronger coping strategies in young people. The Ministry of Public Health and local NGOs are increasingly turning to evidence-based interventions for mental health; these findings suggest bolstering hope should be high among their priorities (WHO Thailand).
Cultivating hope does not require major life changes. The researchers behind the study outlined practical, daily actions that can help nurture hope:
- Pay attention to and appreciate small, positive moments—such as a peaceful morning or an act of kindness—reminding oneself that good things are possible.
- Look for opportunities to move forward, especially during periods of chaos or uncertainty; even small steps can foster a sense of agency and forward momentum.
- Celebrate and recognise progress, no matter how minor. Whether it is overcoming an obstacle at work, helping a family member, or simply enduring a difficult time, each achievement contributes to hopefulness.
- Nurture potential—this could be caring for plants, pets, or people. Acts that symbolise growth reinforce the idea that the future holds possibilities.
- Remember that nothing lasts forever, especially tough times. Embracing change as inevitable helps plant the seeds of hope (Earth.com; Show Me Mizzou).
Comparing these insights to recent global research, one 2024 study highlighted the central role of daily hopeful feelings in predicting well-being, suggesting that hope works as a connective node between positive emotions and functional life outcomes (PubMed). Hope has been shown to buffer against depression, promote persistence after setbacks, and even correlate with improved physical health and higher income levels, reaffirming these new findings.
Hope’s importance is also echoed in Thai historical and cultural narratives. Thai proverbs like “Namta mai long, kid wa yang mee wan mai” (“Don’t let your tears fall, think that tomorrow still exists”) and the popular cultural motif of “Khon chep jab phuen dai, khon siay chai tab dai thaow ken” (“The wounded find friends, the defeated keep fighting as long as they can”) both illustrate an ingrained respect for hopefulness and resilience in the national psyche.
Significantly, the study authors stress that hope is not a rare or unattainable quality. It is accessible to everyone in daily life, regardless of circumstance. This universality means that policies, educational programmes, and healthcare initiatives in Thailand can intentionally focus on fostering hope—not just among high-risk groups, but as a foundation for national mental well-being.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to examine the power of hope in contexts of severe adversity, such as grief, illness, or socioeconomic setbacks. In a Thai context, this could mean developing targeted strategies for communities coping with floods, economic uncertainties, or post-pandemic recovery, ensuring that hope becomes part of the public health toolkit.
For Thai readers, the message is clear and empowering: practicing hope is not just for optimists or the privileged; it’s a mindset available to all. Whether it’s taking pleasure in a cool breeze at Lumpini Park, seeing a child learn their first words, starting a new job after retrenchment, or simply enduring a tough day, hope can be cultivated in small, meaningful ways.
As Thailand continues navigating rapid change and challenge, nurturing hope—individually and collectively—may be the simplest and most powerful step toward a truly meaningful life.
For practical action, Thai readers are encouraged to:
- Regularly acknowledge little successes and growth.
- Keep a “hope journal” to record positive expectations and progress, no matter how minor.
- Engage in supportive social and community activities that foster a sense of possibility.
- Advocate for schools and mental health professionals to incorporate hope-focused strategies into curricula and therapeutic programmes.
- Support campaigns or NGOs working to provide hope to vulnerable groups, from flood victims to at-risk youth.
By consciously nurturing hope, Thais can bolster not just their own mental well-being, but that of families, communities, and, ultimately, the nation.
Sources: Earth.com, Show Me Mizzou, APA PsycNet, WHO Thailand.