Definition of hopelessness

Hopelessness can be defined as believing that the future holds no promise. It is also can be defined as the opposite of hope, or emptiness, indifference, despair or loss of a reason to live.

Hopelessness also includes the expectation that highly undesirable outcomes will occur and that one is powerless to change the future outcomes.

Feelings of hopelessness are closely related to depression and have been associated with physical illness and even suicidal behavior.

The motivational symptoms, such as paralysis of the will, escape and avoidance, whishes and the like are seen to result from the person’s sense of pessimism and hopelessness.

In this example, since the person expects a negative outcome, he will refrain from initialing social contacts, thus increasing his sense of pessimism and hopelessness.

Symptoms such as lethargy, anorexia, passivity and increased affect may be apparent.
Definition of hopelessness