Citation

Neufeld E, O'Rourke N, Donnelly M. Aging Ment. Health 2010; 14(6): 752-756.

Affiliation

Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13607860903421052

PMID

20686984

Abstract

Objective: Responses to the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) have been identified as a significant predictor of suicide-related ideation and self-harm, of note, to a greater degree than severity of depressive symptoms. The BHS is the most widely used instrument to assess this construct, yet concern has been expressed about the traditional true/false response format of this instrument. For this study, we obtained responses from older adults to a revised four-point Likert-type BHS response format. Method: A national sample of 117 older Canadians at risk of self-harm was recruited from multiple sources for this study over a one-year period. Most participants were women (65%) with an average age of 68.47 years (SD = 9.02, range 50-92). Results: Exploratory factor analysis suggests the existence of two factors labeled Powerlessness/Disappointment and Negative Future Expectancies. Concurrent validity of this two-factor model of BHS responses is provided vis-a-vis suicide-related ideation subsequent to statistical control for socio-demographic factors, physical health, and depressive symptomatology. Of note, the relative contribution to the measurement of BHS factors is proportionately equal and greater than all other independent variables. Conclusion: We contend that this revised BHS response format may be appropriate for use in clinical and research applications though replication with other samples and populations is warranted.

Language: en