Hope Conceptualized: An Analysis of Settlement Workers' Understandings of Hope

Abstract

<p>This qualitative study examines the similarities and differences in settlement workers’ conceptualizations of hope. This study begins with a literature review of existing hope theories, as well as an examination of how hope is significant in refugees’ lives. It uses an interpretivist, social constructionist framework to do a comparative analysis of three in-depth interviews with settlement workers in southern Ontario. Emphasizing relationships, experiences, and multiple understandings, this study demonstrates the socially constructed nature of hope, which is found to be personally nuanced to each participant. The findings suggest that hope is understood differently by different people, with many underlying themes and similarities. These findings encourage settlement workers and social workers to reflect on their own conceptualizations of hope, as well as consider how their clients might understand it differently. Doing this will lead to increased client-centered practice and reduce misunderstandings about hope in practice.</p>