The hope experience of young adults who fail in public examination

ABSTRACT This research project describes a phenomenological study exploring the hope experiences of young adults who have gone through the journey from academic failure to success. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with eight participants from low-functioning families. By using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the researchers identified four primary themes representing the hope experience and meaning in the participants’ life situation: (a) adverse conditions, (b) motivation of interest, (c) positive thoughts and (d) relationship support. The findings support and contribute new aspects to the knowledge of hope study. The results highlight ‘positive thoughts and relationship support’ as the integral part of the phenomenon of hope. It suggests that college counsellors should assess the availability of perceived positive thoughts and relationship support in order to design tailor-made programmes for the young adults. College counsellor and academic staff may collaborate on curriculum design through which teacher can use classroom activities to promote students’ hopeful thinking. College counsellor can play an important role in developing hope within the classroom.