Hope and depression among pandemic graduates

ABSTRACT This mixed method study examined hope and depression among pandemic graduates using Locus of Hope Theory. Phase one examined the relationship of internal and external locus of hope dimensions on the depressive symptoms of 101 pandemic graduates through an online survey. Analysis revealed that 66.3% of the sample had moderate to severe levels of depression. Among the four dimensions, only internal hope was significantly associated with depression. Phase two involved 12 participants screened to have high hope scores. They were asked to participate in focus group discussions regarding their sources of hope. Despite the non-significant relationship between external loci of hope and depression in phase one, responses in the qualitative phase provided evidence for external sources of hope (family, peers, and spiritual being) during the pandemic. Practical implications are discussed.