Northern Kentucky University
Measuring Hope and Meaning in Life in a Distressed Census Tract
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Rachael Clark
Abstract
Project Hope began as a three-year collaborative public engagement of local universities and the Greater Cincinnati Service Learning Network to provide service learning opportunities and enhance academic outcomes while positively impacting local communities. The concentration area for Northern Kentucky University comprised the 505 census tract of West Newport; identified as a distressed area through poverty levels, education attainment, and jobless rates. Under the 505 Initiative, the spring 2013 Positive Psychology class initiated an on-going study with the purpose to measure levels of hope and meaning in life within a sample of Newport residents. Researchers collected quantitative data by administering a Trait Hope Scale and Meaning in Life Scale. Demographic information was collected. Qualitative research is planned as the next phase of the study. Semi-structured focus groups will extend and deepen the information gained from the surveys. Data was analyzed by a fall Biometry class and participating researchers, with results available for poster inclusion. Researchers anticipated an inverse relationship between the measures (hope and meaning in life) and the number of years living in poverty. However, age differences were also predicted. We predicted that younger participants would have higher levels of hope and meaning in life. Researchers will present results to the Westside Citizen’s Coalition and their community partner, the Brighton Center, with community action recommendations to promote positive emotion and attitudes (hope and meaning in life), psychological well-being, and community engagement through neighborhood green spaces and social activities.
Measuring Hope and Meaning in Life in a Distressed Census Tract
Project Hope began as a three-year collaborative public engagement of local universities and the Greater Cincinnati Service Learning Network to provide service learning opportunities and enhance academic outcomes while positively impacting local communities. The concentration area for Northern Kentucky University comprised the 505 census tract of West Newport; identified as a distressed area through poverty levels, education attainment, and jobless rates. Under the 505 Initiative, the spring 2013 Positive Psychology class initiated an on-going study with the purpose to measure levels of hope and meaning in life within a sample of Newport residents. Researchers collected quantitative data by administering a Trait Hope Scale and Meaning in Life Scale. Demographic information was collected. Qualitative research is planned as the next phase of the study. Semi-structured focus groups will extend and deepen the information gained from the surveys. Data was analyzed by a fall Biometry class and participating researchers, with results available for poster inclusion. Researchers anticipated an inverse relationship between the measures (hope and meaning in life) and the number of years living in poverty. However, age differences were also predicted. We predicted that younger participants would have higher levels of hope and meaning in life. Researchers will present results to the Westside Citizen’s Coalition and their community partner, the Brighton Center, with community action recommendations to promote positive emotion and attitudes (hope and meaning in life), psychological well-being, and community engagement through neighborhood green spaces and social activities.