The psychometric properties of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) were examined among 544 university students. Internal consistency of scores was satisfactory (Cronbach’s alpha = .88). A principal-axis factor analysis with oblique rotation suggested four factors that were largely uninterpretable. Removal of items and further analysis suggested a two-factor structure of questionable interpretability. Convergent validity was demonstrated by high correlations with the Hope Scale and the Life Orientation Test (LOT). A correlation of .57 between the BHS and perceived stress reduced to .24 when trait negative affect was controlled for, indicating a degree of discriminant utility. It is concluded that for normal populations, measures such as the LOT and Hope Scale are more appropriate.
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