On-Demand Webinars

“The Science and Power of Hope” [Video Replay & Podcast #486]

Access the video replay, listen to the podcast episode (#486), download the slide presentation, and learn how to get a certificate of attendance for this ADHD Experts webinar originally broadcast on Thursday, January 10, 2024.

ADHD Expert: Chan M. Hellman, Ph.D. Verified Updated on February 7, 2024
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Episode Description

Hope is the belief that our future can be better than our past—and that we have a role to play in making that future a reality. Hope is grounded in three simple elements: goal setting, pathways thinking, and willpower. It is important to recognize that, because hope is a cognitive process and not an emotion, it is a strength that can be taught.

Hope is based on a robust body of evidence and is recognized as one of the most important factors promoting well-being for children, adults, and families. Hope is important for children, youth, adults, families, schools, social service programs, neighborhoods, and communities. More than 2,000 published research studies demonstrate that hope is one of the strongest predictors of well-being.

Goals are the cornerstone of our ability to hope. Goals can be short-term or long-term but must be desired enough to motivate action to pursue these goals. The nature of the goals (achievement vs. avoidant) drives the desired pathways that we identify to pursue our goals. One important aspect of person-centered goal setting is helping the individual or group understand that goal attainment is possible.

Pathways are the strategies we identify that will lead to goal achievement. Pathways thinking is akin to finding the roadmap to the future (how we get from here to there). Pathways thinking includes the ability to identify or foresee potential barriers and begin problem-solving strategies to either overcome the barriers or identify alternative pathways toward our goals.

Willpower (agency) is the capacity to focus our attention and intention on goal pursuits. When willpower is higher, we are more likely to have the capacity to self-regulate our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions along the way.

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • About the science of hope, and how its core components of goals, pathways, and willpower can be used to nurture hope, achieve goals, and regulate emotions
  • How hope influences positive outcomes. It is one of the strongest predictors of well-being for children, adults, and families
  • About simple strategies you can use today to nurture hope, feel more positive, and create a belief that your future will be better than your past

Watch the Video Replay

Enter your email address in the box above labeled “Video Replay + Slide Access” to watch the video replay (closed captions available) and download the slide presentation.

Download or Stream the Podcast Audio

Click the play button below to listen to this episode directly in your browser, click the  symbol to download to listen later, or open in your podcasts app: Apple Podcasts; Google Podcasts; Audacy; Spotify; Amazon Music; iHeartRADIO.

A Hopeful New Year: More Resources

Obtain a Certificate of Attendance

If you attended the live webinar on January 10, 2024, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »

Meet the Expert Speaker

Chan M. Hellman is a professor at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center and has published over 100 research studies. Chan has presented his work on hope with TEDx and has provided invited talks in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. His research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. This research informed the development of the “Hope Centered and Trauma Informed®” curriculum used to promote Hope Centered Organizations. Chan is also the co-author of the award-winning book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life published by Morgan James. (#CommissionsEarned)

Read more here.

#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

Listener Testimonials

“Love how logical and science-based today’s speaker was. Quantitative for the win!”

“This presentation on hope was less touchy-feely and much more relevant than I had expected. I am very glad I tuned in!”

“Dr. Hellman’s presentation was so insightful and clear, and I am feeling tremendously inspired by his work. I already have so many ideas about how I can integrate his approach into my practice as a therapist who helps adults with ADHD.”

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