Finding Hope During a Pandemic: Remembering Moments of Joy

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess hope during the COVID-19 pandemic in students enrolled a healthcare-focused university. A total of 63 university students, (ages 18 >) participated in the cross-sectional study and completed a 12-item, Likert scale questionnaire. A repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to determine if there were differences in the constructs of temporality and future; positive readiness and expectancy; and interconnectedness in the overall sample. There were significant differences in the levels of the constructs. Pairwise comparisons revealed that positive readiness and expectancy scores were significantly higher than the other constructs. More than six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, hope towards the future and connection with others was floundering. Yet aspiring healthcare students were still able to persevere by discovering opportunities despite challenges, remembering pleasant experiences, and feeling grateful for their lives. Building on these strengths may benefit not just students, but also instructors and future patients.