Abstract
Hopelessness is an important clinical symptom for both theoretical and practical reasons. The Hopelessness Scale of Beck and colleagues was constructed to measure this construct, but has had no psychometric assessment since its original development. We conducted an evaluation of the scale using item-response theory. Results in two separate samples were nearly identical. The Hopelessness Scale was found to be unidimensional with strong item—construct relationships. However, it was relatively insensitive at lower levels of hopelessness.
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From the National Institute of Mental Health Collaborative Program on the Psychobiology of Depression—Clinical Studies, conducted with the participation of the following investigators: M. B. Keller, M.D. (Chairperson, Boston/Providence); G. L. Klerman, M.D. (Co-Chairperson, New York); J. D. Maser, Ph.D. (Washington, DC); P. W. Lavori, Ph.D., M. T. Shea, Ph.D. (Boston/Providence); J. Fawcett, M.D., W. A. Scheftner, M.D. (Chicago); W. Coryell, M.D., J. Haley (Iowa City); J. Endicott, Ph.D., J. Loth, M.S.W. (New York); J. Rice, Ph.D., T. Reich, M.D. (St. Louis). Other contributors include: N. C. Andreasen, M.D., Ph.D., P. J. Clayton, M.D., J. Croughan, M.D., R. M. A. Hirschfeld, M.D., M. M. Katz, Ph.D., E. Robins, M.D., R. W. Shapiro, M.D., R. L. Spitzer, M.D., G. Winokur, M.D., and M.A. Young, Ph.D. This manuscript has been reviewed by the Publication Committee of the Collaborative Program and has its endorsement.
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Young, M.A., Halper, I.S., Clark, D.C. et al. An item-response theory evaluation of the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Cogn Ther Res 16, 579–587 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01175143
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01175143