Hopelessness Scale for Children – Modified Version (HSC)
Measures negative expectations toward the future in children and adolescents.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Hopelessness Scale for Children – Modified Version (HSC) was developed by Alan E. Kazdin, Antoinette Rodgers, Debra Colbus (1986). It is designed to measure Hopelessness. The scale is intended for use with Children and adolescents (ages 6-13).
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 6 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Strongly disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Agree, 4 = Strongly agree.
The scale includes 3 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Item scores are averaged to produce a mean score.
Total scores range from 1 to 4. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Hopelessness: 1 – 2
- Moderate Hopelessness: 2 – 3
- High Hopelessness: 3 – 4
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Moderate test-retest reliability and internal consistency.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.