The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) is a self-report instrument developed by Aaron T. Beck, an American psychiatrist, to measure an individual's level of hopelessness. It is widely used in clinical and research settings to assess hopelessness as a predictor of suicidal ideation, behavior, and overall psychological distress.
The BHS consists of a 20-item questionnaire, each statement requiring respondents to indicate the extent to which they agree or disagree with statements related to hopelessness. The statements cover various domains, including the future outlook, expectations, and motivation. Higher scores on the scale indicate a greater sense of hopelessness.
The scale is intended for use with individuals aged 17 and above and can be administered individually or in a group setting. It provides valuable information about an individual's subjective experience of hopelessness, highlighting potential risk factors for suicide and depressive tendencies.
The BHS has demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, indicating its stability over time. It has also shown good convergent validity when compared to other measures of hopelessness and related constructs.
In clinical practice, the Beck Hopelessness Scale serves as a valuable tool for mental health professionals to assess an individual's level of hopelessness and determine appropriate interventions. It aids in identifying those at risk for suicide and allows for targeted treatment planning. Additionally, the scale is useful in research studies focusing on the relationship between hopelessness and various mental health outcomes, including depression, substance abuse, and overall psychological well-being.
