The Hopelessness and Helplessness Scale: Validity and measurement invariance

This study set out to investigate the psychometric properties of the Hopelessness and Helplessness Scale (HHS), which was designed to measure an individual’s levels of hopelessness and helplessness. First, the structural validity of the scale was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. The results supported a two-factor model with an acceptable model fit. Convergent validity was investigated using correlations with the subscales of the Hopelessness, Helplessness, and Haplessness Scale; and criterion-related validity via correlations with depression and anxiety symptoms assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory. All correlations were positive and statistically significant at the p < .001 level. The reliability findings of the scale indicate that the calculated Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega (ω) values demonstrate high internal consistency for both subdimensions. Furthermore, measurement invariance across gender and between student and non-student groups was examined using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. The results supported configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance, indicating that the HHS is a psychometrically robust instrument suitable for comparative research across gender and academic status