Beck Hopelessness Scale: A Psychometric Analysis of the Short Version in Peruvian Adults

The aim of this study was to analyze the sources of evidence of validity of the brief version of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (EDB-4) in Peruvian adults from the general population. Participants were selected by convenience sampling and inclusion criteria. A total of 567 adults living in Lima completed the EDB-4 and other psychological instruments. Internal structure was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance. Evidence was also analyzed in relation to other variables and internal consistency. The results indicate a unidimensional structure with adequate fit indices, acceptable reliability (ωBayes=.80 and H=.96), invariance according to sex and age, and evidence of relationship with suicidal ideation, insomnia and depression. Its use is recommended to assess hopelessness and to perform comparative analyses in sex and age groups in Peruvian adults of the general population.