HOPE IN CLINICAL SETTINGS: MEASURING PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE IN AN ATHENS HEALTHCARE FACILITY
Abstract
<p>This study explores the concept of hope as a measurable psychological trait, focusing specifically on the application of the Snyder Hope Scale within a healthcare setting. Drawing from interdisciplinary theories spanning psychology, medicine, and organizational behavior, the research begins with an overview of the foundational elements of hope theory. Special emphasis is placed on Snyder’s cognitive model of hope, which defines hope as a combination of agency (goal-directed energy) and pathways (planning to meet goals), and the corresponding measurement scale he developed.</p>
<p>The study was conducted at a large private hospital in Athens, Greece, where the Snyder Hope Scale was employed to assess participants' levels of hope before and after a corporate training seminar aimed at enhancing professional well-being and workplace morale. Participants, composed of healthcare staff, completed the scale at two points: pre- and post-training. The aim was to determine whether the seminar led to a measurable increase in hope levels and to gather qualitative insights into managerial perceptions of the intervention’s effectiveness.</p>
<p>Findings indicate a positive shift in hope levels following the seminar, suggesting that targeted training programs can play a significant role in improving psychological traits that support resilience and motivation in high-pressure environments such as healthcare. Furthermore, feedback from hospital management reflected strong support for the initiative, citing benefits to both employee well-being and organizational culture.</p>
<p>This research highlights the utility of the Snyder Hope Scale as a tool for assessing psychological outcomes in professional development contexts and underscores the importance of cultivating hope within institutional frameworks</p>