Dissociating the facets of hope: Agency and pathways predict dropout from unguided self-help therapy in opposite directions

Abstract

Hope comprises two components: agency ("goal directed determination") and pathways ("planning of ways to meet goals"). We tested whether these two components can be dissociated and therefore differentially predict dropout from two unguided self-help interventions to reduce worry (gratitude vs. thought monitoring and cognitive restructuring interventions, N = 247 entered, 136 completed). The two hope components significantly predicted attrition in opposite directions; agency predicted completion (OR = 2.15, CI = 1.27-3.64, p = .004), whereas pathways predicted dropout (OR = .47, CI = .29-.77, p = .003). Gratitude and thought monitoring reduced worry compared a wait list control, and for completers there was no difference in outcome. Conclusion: hope facets can be dissociated; gratitude techniques are as effective and have better retention than a technique commonly used in cognitive behavior therapy.