HOPELESSNESS IN A COMMUNITY POPULATION - FACTORIAL STRUCTURE AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES

The factorial structure of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS; A. T. Bec k, A. Weissman, D. Lester, & L. Trexler, 1974) was examined in a noncl inical sample (N = 154) in Japan, and the relationships between dimens ions of hopelessness and psychosocial variables were analyzed. A semis tructured interview was used, as well as a questionnaire consisting of the BHS, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ; H. J. Eysenck & S. B. Eysenck, 1975), and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI; G. Par ker, H. Tupling, & L. B. Brown, 1979). A factor analysis with principa l components solution after oblimin rotation yielded 2 factors-Doubt A bout a Hopeful Future (Factor 1) and Belief About a Hopeless Future (F actor 2). Significant, positive correlations were found between Factor 2 and (a) the number of emotional symptoms of depression in a 4-day d epressive episode and (b) scores on the Neuroticism subscale of the EP Q. The Factor 1 score was significantly and negatively correlated with the Extraversion subscale of the EPQ and the Paternal Care subscale o f the PBI.