Hope, Hopelessness and Depression (IN: A Time to Grieve: Loss as a Universal Human Experience, by B G Simos)

Explores aspects of hopelessness. Evidence from various experiments indicate that there may be a univeral instinct to end life under hopeless conditions, & that hopelessness can begin early in human development. Quotes & experiences are used to argue that hope might arise from mastery, maintaining a goal, & accepting passivity. Outcomes of hopelessness include depression & self-harm manifesting as suicide, homicide, or accident. Implications for treatment are discussed. (30 refs.) (RM)