Reliability
Internal Consistency
Cronbach alpha coefficients reported for the origi nal HHS were .94 for the elderly and .95 for bereaved
elderly ( Herth, 1991 ). Similarly, the alpha coefficient for the HHI overall was .97, as well as .96 for adults
with chronic illnesses, .94 for adults with acute illnesses and .98 for adults with terminal illness
(Herth, 1992 ).
Test/C0Retest
Test/C0retest reliability for the original measure was reported at three weeks among healthy adults ( r5.90),
elderly ( r5.89), and bereaved elderly ( r5.91) ( Herth, 1991 ). Test/C0retest reliability for the HHI was reported at
two weeks ( r5.91) ( Herth, 1992 ).
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
The HHI was positively correlated with the HSS ( r5.92), spiritual well-being ( r5.84), and the Nowotny Hope
Scale ( r5.81) ( Herth, 1992 ).
Divergent/Discriminant
HSS scores correlate negatively with depression (Beck Hopelessness Scale) among healthy adults ( r52.74)
and the elderly ( r52.69) ( Herth, 1991 ).
Construct/Factor Analytic
Factor analysis using combined data ( N5300) supported the three-factor structure (temporality and future,
positive readiness and expectancy, and interconnectedness) of the HHS among the bereaved elderly sample
(Herth, 1991 ). A separate maximum-likelihood factor analysis with varimax rotation supported the three-factor
HHI structure ( Herth, 1992 ).
Criterion/Predictive
HHS scores positively predict coping response ( r5.80) ( Herth, 1991 ).
No criterion/predictive data are currently available for the HHI.
Location
Original Measure (HHS)
Herth, K. (1991). Development and refinement of an instrument to measure hope . Scholarly Inquiry for Nursing
Practice: An International Journal, 5 ,3 9/C051.
Revised Index (HHI)
Herth, K. (1992). Abbreviated instrument to measure hope: Development and psychometric evaluation. Journal
of Advanced Nursing, 17 , 1251/C01259.
Spanish HHS
Arnau, R.C., Martinez, P., Guzman, I.N., Herth, K., & Konishi, C.Y. (2010). A Spanish-language version of
the Hearth Hope Scale: Development and psychometric evaluation. Educational and Psychological Measurement ,
70, 808/C0824.
Results and Comments
In addition to demonstrating strong reliability and validity, the HHS/HHI is especially thorough in assessing
both positive cognitions and emotions. As such, the HHS/HHI has been used extensively in health-related
fields.54 3. MEASURES OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS