In this study we examined the relationship between scores on the Beck Hopel
essness Scale (Beck, Weissman, Lester, & Trexler, 1974) and the personality
traits that constitute the Five-Factor Model in a sample of 77 depressed i
npatients, 50 years of age and older. Multiple regression analyses showed t
hat Hopelessness is related to low Extraversion domain scores, and to speci
fic facets of both Extraversion (low positive emotions) and Neuroticism (lo
w self-consciousness, high impulsiveness). Efforts to tie Hopelessness with
the motivational, affective, and interpersonal constructs subsumed under E
xtraversion are warranted.