"Hope on the Edge: Examining the Role of Adult Hope Theory in Predicting Risk Taking Behavior amongst Traders"

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of psychological strength- hope, its subcomponents (agency and pathway thinking), —on risk-taking behavior in traders (or market analysts). Drawing from a sample of 436 traders, working in independent and organizational settings, the research examines how these positive psychological constructs predict tendencies to engage in risk taking, a critical factor in high-stakes professions such as financial trading, leadership, and decision-intensive roles.

Results revealed that Total Hope (r = .118, p = .014) and its Pathway component (r = .107, p = .025) were positively and significantly associated with Risk Taking, suggesting that individuals with stronger goal-planning capacities tend to engage more readily in calculated risks. However, Agency (r = .031, p = .520) showed no significant relationships with risk-taking behavior.

These findings underscore the partial influence of hope, particularly the cognitive planning (Pathway) aspect, in facilitating risk-oriented behavior. The absence of a strong connection with Agency suggests that while general optimism and coping skills are beneficial traits, they may not directly contribute to one's willingness to take risks in professional contexts. Implications are discussed in terms of designing psychological interventions and development programs aimed at enhancing decision-making and adaptive performance in high-demand environments.