Abstract
BackgroundThe Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) has been the most frequently used instrument for the measurement of hopelessness in the past 40 years. Only recently has it officially been translated into German. The psychometric properties and factor structure of the BHS have been cause for intensive debate in the past.MethodsBased on a representative sample of the German population (N = 2450) item analysis including item sensitivity, item-total correlation and item difficulty was performed. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) for several factor solutions from the literature were performed. Multiple group factor analysis was performed to assess measurement invariance. Construct validity was assessed via the replication of well-established correlations with concurrently assessed measures.ResultsMost items exhibited adequate properties. Items #4, #8 and #13 exhibited poor item characteristics– each of these items had previously received negative evaluations in international studies. A one-dimensional factor solution, favorable for the calculation and interpretation of a sum score, was regarded as adequate.A bi-factor model with one content factor and two method factors (defined by positive/negative item coding) resulted in an excellent model fit. Cronbach’s alpha in the current sample was .87. Hopelessness, as measured by the BHS, significantly correlated in the expected direction with suicidal ideation (r = .36), depression (r = .53) and life satisfaction (r = −.53). Strict measurement invariance could be established regarding gender and depression status. Due to limited research regarding the interpretation of fit indices with dichotomous data, interpretation of CFA results needs to remain tentative.ConclusionThe BHS is a valid measure of hopelessness in various subgroups of the general population. Future research could aim at replicating these findings using item response theory and cross-cultural samples. A one-dimensional bi-factor model seems appropriate even in a non-clinical population.
Highlights
The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) has been the most frequently used instrument for the measurement of hopelessness in the past 40 years
BHS mean in the whole sample was M = 4.87 (SD = 4.33)
To evaluate rationale regarding the different models we investigated whether the original Beck factors provide additional explanatory value regarding construct validity
Summary
The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) has been the most frequently used instrument for the measurement of hopelessness in the past 40 years. Recently has it officially been translated into German. Beck conceptualizes hopelessness as a system of cognitive schemes These schemes can be characterized by a generalized negative future expectation. Positive outcomes are regarded as being very unlikely if not impossible [1] These dysfunctional beliefs regarding the future are a cornerstone of Becks cognitive triad of depression [2]. Hopelessness and depression correlate very highly, and hopelessness is often observed in depressed individuals, it is not a necessary component of depression [3]. Hopelessness is a proximal cause of the symptoms of hopelessness depression and suicidality is a symptom of this special form of depression, not of other forms of the clinical picture of depression [3]
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