Crushed hope

The concept of "crushed hope" isn't directly addressed in specific terms, but it can be inferred from how hope and the dopamine system are discussed. Hope is linked to positive outcomes and motivation via the dopamine system, as it activates the reward pathways that relate to envisioning a positive future and motivating action 1.

When hope is "crushed," it could mean that these dopamine pathways are not being effectively stimulated, possibly leading to decreased motivation and negative emotional states. If hope and its beneficial effects, facilitated by dopamine, are lost or diminished, it might hinder recovery and adaptive functions in both psychological and physiological contexts. This underscores the importance of maintaining hopeful thoughts to sustain dopamine-driven pathways and their positive impacts on health and motivation.