Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)
Hopelessness and your outlook on the future
How do you feel about the future? The BHS measures negative expectations - a core feature of depression and a key predictor of suicide risk. 20 true/false items, about 3 minutes.
What Is the Beck Hopelessness Scale?
When the future feels like a dead end, that's not just sadness — it's a specific thing called hopelessness. The BHS puts a number on it, and research has shown that number is one of the strongest predictors of suicide risk.
It's 20 true/false questions covering three areas: how you feel about the future, whether you've lost motivation, and what you expect to come next. Ten items are reverse-scored. Total score runs from 0 to 20.
Scores of 9 or above are considered elevated. If you score in that range, please take it seriously and talk to a professional.
Quick Stats
- Internal consistency: 0.82-0.93
- Test-retest reliability: r = 0.66-0.96
- Correlation with suicidal intent: r ≈ 0.47-0.68
Scoring Guide
Total 0-20: 0-3=Normal, 4-8=Mild, 9-14=Moderate (seek professional help), 15-20=Severe (seek immediate help). BHS is a key predictor of suicide risk - research shows BHS >= 9 significantly elevates risk.Result Interpretation
After completing the 20 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.