Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)
20-item assessment of hopelessness about 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?
The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), developed by Aaron T. Beck et al. in 1974, is a 20-item self-report inventory designed to measure negative expectations about the future - a construct Beck identified as the critical link between depression and suicidal behavior.
The BHS uses a true/false format covering three aspects of hopelessness: feelings about the future, loss of motivation, and future expectations. Ten items are positively worded (reverse-scored). The total score ranges from 0-20, with higher scores indicating greater hopelessness.
Psychometric Properties
- Internal consistency: 0.82-0.93
- Test-retest reliability: r = 0.66-0.96
- Correlation with suicidal intent: r approx 0.47-0.68
Important Note
The BHS is a screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. Scores >= 9 indicate significantly elevated suicide risk and warrant professional evaluation.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.