A recent research study indicates that having hope may be more effective than practicing mindfulness in helping individuals cope with stress and maintain their professional commitment during prolonged stressful situations at work. The findings highlight the significance of maintaining a forward-looking perspective instead of solely being present in the moment during challenging times.
A recent research study indicates that having hope may be more effective than practicing mindfulness in helping individuals cope with stress and maintain their professional commitment during prolonged stressful situations at work. The findings highlight the significance of maintaining a forward-looking perspective instead of solely being present in the moment during challenging times.
Mindfulness involves the capacity of a person to direct their attention to the current moment in a way that is open, curious, and non-judgmental. Essentially, it is about being completely present and aware.
“Much has been said about the advantages of mindfulness, but it presents two challenges during stressful times,” explains Tom Zagenczyk, co-author of the study and management professor at North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management. “First, experiencing stress makes it difficult to practice mindfulness. Second, during truly tough times, you often don’t want to linger too much on the situation you are facing.”
“Since hope is inherently future-focused, whereas mindfulness centers on appreciating one’s current situation, we aimed to examine how these two mindsets impacted individuals’ well-being and professional attitudes in challenging times,” says Zagenczyk. “The COVID pandemic offered an unfortunate yet valuable chance to investigate this matter, particularly in the performing arts sector, which was significantly affected by the pandemic.”
For their research, the team gathered data from 247 professional musicians affiliated with the organization MusiCares through two surveys conducted a month apart. The first survey was conducted in September 2021 and collected general demographic information, along with participants’ reflections on their thoughts and experiences during the initial months of the pandemic—from March to August 2020. Additionally, they responded to questions assessing their levels of hope and mindfulness from September 2020 through March 2021.
The follow-up survey, administered in October 2021, included questions aimed at assessing work engagement, workplace stress, positivity of emotions, and the level of distress they were experiencing.
Researchers employed statistical methods to analyze the connections between hope, mindfulness, and various outcomes related to personal well-being and workplace attitudes.
“Essentially, our results indicate that hope was linked to happiness, whereas mindfulness was not,” states Kristin Scott, a co-author of the study and management professor at Clemson University. “Moreover, individuals who experienced hope and happiness also reported feeling less distress and were more engaged in their work, with reduced tension in their professional lives.”
“Practicing mindfulness can be incredibly beneficial — there are certainly merits to being present,” remarks Sharon Sheridan, another study co-author and assistant professor of management at Clemson. “However, maintaining a hopeful attitude, especially during extended periods of stress, is crucial. People should blend hope with mindfulness by keeping in mind that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Although the study specifically concentrated on musicians facing extraordinary circumstances, the researchers believe the insights hold valuable implications that can apply across various industries.
“In times of intense job stress, it’s essential to remain hopeful and future-oriented,” asserts Emily Ferrise, a co-author and Ph.D. candidate at Clemson. “Organizations should strive to weave hope and forward-thinking into their workplace culture through job conditions and organizational communications.”
“Every industry faces moments of high stress,” adds Zagenczyk. “Companies must prioritize fostering happy employees who are engaged in their work.”
