Extensive pdychological literature has linked hopelessnenss with depression and suicide risk for decades. A strong research and clinical base exists to target depression but there is a gap in psychological literature for targeting hopelessness, specifically. In the absence of such literature, this paper draws on research from the Futures Studies field which also records a rise in hopelessness, negativity and fear of the future among young people in the West. These phenomena will be analysed using Causal Layered Analysis, a methodology from futures studies, pointing to the long-term psycho-social impact on youth of the materialistic worldview that unferpins Wester culture. the paper will also ecplore the question “How can hope for the future be promoted?”