2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Hopes of Emerging Adult College Students: Planning for the Future

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. April Masarik

Abstract

This study examines hope as a universal human trait through qualitative analysis of autobiographies written by emerging adult college students. Rather than viewing hope as a fleeting emotion, it is conceptualized as a cognitive and motivational framework that shapes goal-setting, meaning-making, and future-oriented thinking. Grounded in Snyder’s Hope Theory (2002), and supported by pragmatic prospection theory (Baumeister & Vohs, 2016) and self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2012), this research explores what fosters hope within lived experiences.

Using thematic content analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), autobiographies from 189 undergraduate students aged 18–25 were examined. Analysis revealed seven primary themes: growth and self-understanding; connection and community; helping others; legacy; resilience through adversity; stability and security; and adventure and fulfillment. Among these, connection and community emerged as the most prominent, reflecting an intrinsic need for relatedness.

Findings indicate that hope is both an intrapersonal and interpersonal process, often shaped by adversity and expressed through future-oriented goals. Participants frequently described hope as a means of navigating hardship, with resilience strengthening hopeful thinking. These results support the universality of hope while highlighting individual variation, contributing to its understanding as a central organizing principle in human cognition and development with implications for research and practice.

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