Description
The BHS consists of 20 statements to which respondents indicate whether or not that statement is true or false.
Of these, nine items are keyed false and 11 are keyed true. Possible total scores range from 0 to 20 with higher
scores suggesting higher levels of hopelessness ( Beck, 1993 ).
Sample
The BHS was validated with a clinical sample ( N5294) recently hospitalized for suicide attempts ( Beck, 1993 ).
Reliability
Internal Consistency
A Cronbach alpha coefficient was reported (.93) and item-scale correlations ranged from.36 to .76 ( Beck, 1993 ).
Test/C0Retest
No test /C0retest reliability evidence is currently available for the BHS.
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
BHS scores correlate positively with pessimism (Stuart Future Test) ( r5.60) and depression (Beck Depression
Inventory) ( r5.63) ( Beck, 1993 ).
Divergent/Discriminant
No divergent validity evidence is currently available for the BHS.
Construct/Factor Analytic
A principal components analysis with varimax rotation suggested three BHS dimensions (relating to: feelings
about the future, loss of motivation, and future expectations) ( Beck, 1993 ).
Criterion/Predictive
BHS scores are predictive of clinician-rated measures of hopelessness ( r5.74) and attempted suicide rate
(r5.62).
Location
Beck, A.T. (1993). Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.
Results and Comments
The BHS is a classic measure for good reason. It is highly reliable and versatile given the generality of
its items. This scale is especially well-suited for clinical populations but commonly used with general adult
samples as well. As such, the BHS has been utilized in the validation of almost all other measures of hope and
optimism.
BHS-LIKE ITEMS
Directions: Please indicate whether the following
statements are true or false
____1. I have hope when I think about my future.*
____2. I often feel like giving up.
____3. Bad things will always turn around.*
____4. I can’t picture what the future will be like.
____5. I feel like I can accomplish anything.*
____6. I think I will do well for myself in the future.*
____7. The future doesn’t look good.____8. I expect the best things will happen to me.*
____9. Nothing goes right for me.
____10. I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead*.
Notes :C o p y r i g h t r1993 Pearson. No portion of the Beck
Hopelessness Scale may be reproduced by any means
without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
These items are similar to the items in the Beck
Hopelessness Scale.
*Item reverse scored.56 3. MEASURES OF HOPE AND OPTIMISM
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS