Other-oriented hope: Initial evidence of its nomological net

- A self-report measure of other-oriented hope was devised.
- Empathy and self-oriented hope predicted other-oriented hope in Study 1.
- Social goals and social self-construals predicted other-oriented hope in Study 2.
- Other-interest and self-transcendence predicted other-oriented hope in Study 3.

Three studies with Canadian undergraduate participants sought to initiate the construct validation of a self-report measure of other-oriented hope. Study 1 generated a 16-item measure, and demonstrated that scores on it were predicted by self-oriented hope, empathic concern, and perspective-taking. Study 2 showed that other-oriented hope was predicted by self-oriented hope, compassionate goals, and interdependent and relational self-construals, controlling for socially desirable responding. Study 3 showed that other-oriented hope was predicted by quiet ego functioning; low self-interest and high other-interest; and low self-enhancement values and high self-transcendence values. Findings are discussed in relation to the broader perspectives of other-interest and mental balance, which could serve as the basis for future work on other-oriented hope.