This volume focuses on the concepts of stress and hope, their psychological and physical outcomes. Past research has focused primarily or exclusively on either stress or hope and its effect on health. This work discusses them side by side and highlights their interrelations. Various theoretical approaches dealing with stress and hope are discussed, and a review of the most recent empirical data is presented. Also included are reports on individuals and groups that have been exposed to various stressful situations, such as racial prejudice, life threatening illness, or imprisonment. The role of hope in coping with these sitatuions is emphasized.