Hope Construction in University Students at Suicide Risk: An Integrative Model from Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To examine the construction of hope as a dynamic process in university students at risk of suicide, integrating the contributions of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Hope Theory, resilience, and contemporary coping models. Method: A theoretical-interpretative study based on the review and synthesis of relevant academic literature in clinical, educational, and social psychology, prioritizing contributions on hope, coping, resilience, and solution-focused models applicable to the university context. Results: The analysis identified that hope is constructed through micro-actions that express motivation and willingness to act intentionally, generating pathways toward future goals and favoring the re-signification of adverse experience. The integration of SFBT with Hope Theory and resilience approaches shows that hope manifests in daily action and is linked to greater coping resources and well-being. Conclusion: It is concluded that hope is a developing process involving interpersonal dialogic actions, rather than a state prior to change. Therefore, adopting resource-oriented and solution-focused stances enables the expansion of suicide risk prevention strategies in the university context by simultaneously reinforcing protective factors and personal agency.