Drowning - A Psychology Experiment for Hope

Believing is succeeding. Belief in oneself can lead to great things, if you truly give your self the chance and you have hope.

NOTE: CAUTION TO READERS, ANIMAL CRUELTY IS AN ASPECT OF THIS ARTTCLE.

While I do not support the method in which the information was derived, I do find it fascinating in showing us how far we can push ourselves to survive and succeed, if given hope.

The “HOPE” Experiment :

During an abhorrent study at Harvard in the 1950s, Dr. Curt Richter placed rats in a large bucket of water to test how long they could tread water. Originally, he began the experiment with twelve domesticated Rats.

Four of these rodents swam around the surface for a few moments then dove to the bottom of the bucket, in all probability, to check availability for a way to escape, finding none they returned to the surface where they ended up drowning within a few minutes. Conclusion was they found the situation hopeless and gave up.

The other eight rats, who did not swim to the bottom but remained on top, lasted longer but they too eventually drowned. But not until they treaded water for over an hour (some accounts say more than a couple of hours).

Next Dr. Richter experimented on thirty-four wild rats, ones that were just recently captured. Wild Rats are known to be strong swimmers and aggressive fighters. These rats were expected to survive longer, as they had to fight everyday to live. All thirty-four drowned within minutes.

He concluded that in this situation, these wild rats could not use their sense of “fight or flight," and as in the case of the four domesticated rats, they lost hope. The eight domesticated rats that stayed on the surface and survived longer, were used to being handled by humans, fed, watered, and learned that if you waited, you had the chance to receive something.

In his own words he said: 'The situation of these rats scarcely seems one demanding fight or flight - it is rather one of hopelessness - the rats are in a situation against which they have no defense… they seem literally to ‘give up.’

On this thought he continued to try a third experiment, one where he introduced hope.

Again, he placed new rats in the buckets of water, these ones were plucked out of the water just as they were on the verge of drowning. Rescued, dried off and given a few moments to recoup their strength. They were then placed back into the water once again.

How long did they survive?

You would think that just having become exhausted and almost drowning they would have perished quickly. Remember - they had just swum, coming close to failure and death only a few short minutes ago.

These Rats, in the second round, swam and treaded water for 60 hours! You read correct, 60 hours of swimming.

The conclusion drawn was that since the rats BELIEVED that they would eventually be rescued, they gave themselves the ability to push their bodies past what they previously viewed as impossible. The only change in the experiment was they were saved once before, they therefore had hope. Which gave them the strength to continue further then they knew was possible

Curt wrote that 'The rats quickly learn that the situation is not actually hopeless” and that “after elimination of hopelessness the rats do not die.'

Now, I do not recommend that you push yourself to this extreme. It is not necessary nor encouraged, yet in our daily grind at work and home life we can sometimes feel that we are pushed to our breaking point. Where we are figuratively drowning, and do not see a light at the end of the tunnel. We have lost all hope.

Ask yourself, what is it you need to see or do before you believe in yourself and your abilities? When you feel like you failed and can no longer go on, remember to tell yourself, you are capable.

Failure is not the end. It is a part of learning, albeit it can feel disheartening, know that it is not. Hope will not vanish, if you keep it alive.

What could this experiment possibly mean for people?

In the workforce aspect:

If you are in a position of leadership, learn to read the signs of exhaustion, recognized when your people are at the end of their proverbial rope. Do not let your employees become the drowning rats in life, pluck them out before it is too late. Pick them up, dry them off and let them breathe. If they feel supported (genuinely, not faked) they believe the future will be better. They feel that there are others who support them through the difficult situations.

At the same time, as a leader, do not try to tread the waters on your own for long. You will not be able to help others if you drown. Let your employees and peers know if you are struggling. Trust me, they will appreciate your honesty and being open with them.

'Where hope is real, it’s good. Where it’s falsely introduced to drive individuals to higher levels of perseverance in poor working situations, then it’s quite reprehensible. Which doesn’t mean it’s not profitable or that it doesn’t happen. It just means that people should not work for these organizations where they have any choice. '

by The World of Work Project

For the individual:

In a study done by David Feldmen PHD he concluded that people who are without hope, tend to suffer from depression, high blood pressure and anxiety. They also feel less enthusiastic about taking on challenges and responsibilities.

Where as, those with hope tend to feel less pain, are enthusiastic about challenges and attempting to do things outside their comfort zone. Hope tends to help in our daily lives and functions, it stimulates physical and mental strength.

I believe that while hope is indeed something worth striving to attain, do not rely on the word alone. As a person you still need to be accountable and responsible. Hope will help you get there, as long as you continue to believe in yourself. That is the true power of hope.

Is hope built into our DNA, do you either have it or not? The answer is that Hope is a cognitive skill, it can be taught. You control the ability to have hope in your life. In fact, you deserve that right. Don't let anyone or anything diminish or try to take it from you.

I speak from experience, I was there myself, I had lost hope. I was slowly being dragged down to the bottom of the bucket. Wondering if it was worth treading water any longer.

What gave me hope?

Family, friends and more importantly my wife who believed in me. Her faith gave me the hope I needed. My children were my inspiration to fight and search for light in the darkness. When I found it, it shone brighter than I ever thought possible. Hope is out there, it can appear when and where you least expect it. Trust in yourself.

* Be aware of your emotions. As mentioned earlier, people without hope may suffer from depression. If you feel or even suspect that you are one of these people, if you know, deep down, you have a sense of helplessness and can not escape the bucket on your own. For your benefit and those that love and care about you, please seek professional help and assistance. Their guidance may be the light and hope you are looking for and deserve.

You are not alone.

Reach out to your local support Mental Health crisis line.

-If you are hesitant, ask a friend to call for you or be with you when you take this step. If you notice someone who may need support, reach out on their behalf.

Once again, I must repeat. I do not condone this experiment or any form of animal testing.

Take in consideration the time in our history that this experiment took place it was, unfortunately, the norm and was widely accepted. As cruel as this was, it does show us the power of HOPE.

Hope is your superpower. Use it, share it, and embrace it.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my story. If you enjoyed it, please leave a heart. Please help yourself to view a few of my other writings. In fact, I hope you will.

Jason,

https://vocal.media/authors/Jason Basaraba