Human Behavior > Expectation
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ExpectationExpectation
The importance of hope and optimism as a stimulus for active problem-solving has been emphasized by many theorists and analysts (cf. Seligman 1991; Snyder 1994; Tiger 1979; Compton & Galaway 1979). The theoretical framework on social functioning also indicates that the manner in which the individual experiences optimistic future expectations can feed positive transactions and satisfaction with these transactions.
Again the problem of the precise and exact naming of the variable becomes a problem when the literature is examined. There is a large modern-day philosophical/theological and sociological literature on hope. Hope also plays a prominent role in many socio-political movements, secular as well as theological, for example “Marxism” and “Americanism”. However, little systematic psychological research is available on hope per say and the few studies that deal with hope, distinguish it as an emotional orientation towards life rather than a rational evaluation of life (Averill, Catlin & Chon 1990). More psychological research has been done on the related phenomenon of optimism and a few excellent books have been written on the subject. Optimism is regarded by these analysts as a learned and cognitive orientation towards life (cf. Seligman 1991; Snyder 1994; Tiger 1979). We are not interested just in emotion (hope) or just in cognition (optimism), but in "something" that relates to both emotion and cognition. It was therefore decided to combine these terms into the word “expectations”, described in the Oxford Dictionary as “the act or an instance of expecting or looking forward; something expected or hoped for.” The definition implicates an act of integration between emotion, cognition and conation and is perceived as a better description of what we want. For the purpose of this study, expectation, hope and optimism will be treated as related concepts and all the literature on these concepts will be integrated into a conceptualization of expectation. A formal Definition of Expectation The discussion above has been condensed into the following definition of expectation: "Expectation is the positive orientation of the individual towards his future. It involves the emotional experience of hope, and the cognitive appraisal of one’s life from an optimistic point of view. It is the belief that one can plan one’s own future, and that what one does matters in life. It is the belief that things are possible, even if they will mean great effort and faith in oneself and the situation. It is also the belief that evil can be overcome by good and that man is inherently good and must be protected from evil". Attributes that relate to high Expectation oriented Individuals
Glosary
Polarity
The condition of having poles, the state of having two directly opposite tendencies. |