The Hope Paradox: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Association Between Hope and the Acquired Capability to Enact Suicide

INTRODUCTION: Although Snyder's (1994) conceptualization of hope is typically viewed as protective against psychological distress, emerging evidence suggests an association with higher acquired capability for suicide. This meta-analysis quantified the association between hope and acquired capability, examined differences across core hope components of pathways and agency, and evaluated potential moderators. METHODS: A systematic review of articles published prior to June 2026 was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Random-effects models estimated pooled effect sizes and meta-regression examined age, sex, and race as moderators. RESULTS: Across nine samples (N = 1896), total hope (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), pathways (r = 0.22, p < 0.001), and agency (r = 0.16, p < 0.001) were significantly and positively associated with acquired capability. Agency exhibited significant heterogeneity, and age significantly moderated this association (p = 0.003): higher age was associated with stronger, more positive associations. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest a paradoxical association between hope and acquired capability. Limited attention to this association underscores the need for more nuanced clinical assessment and intervention. Increasing hope without strengthening adaptive goals or reasons for living may be ill-advised. Future research should prioritize longitudinal and experimental designs, comprehensive measures of acquired capability, examination of distinct hope components, and assessment of state hope.