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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Factor structure of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in individuals with advanced cancer
Rinat Nissim1, David B Flora, Robert A Cribbie
1Behavioural Sciences and Health Research Division, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. rinat.nissim@uhn.on.ca
Objective:
Although the Beck Hopelessness Scale is often used with the seriously ill, its factor structure has been given relatively little consideration in this context.
Methods:
The factor structure of this scale was examined in a sample of 406 ambulatory patients with advanced lung or gastrointestinal cancer, using a sequential exploratory-confirmatory factor analysis procedure.
Results:
A two-factor model was consistent with the data: The first factor reflected a negative outlook and was labeled 'negative expectations'; the second factor identified a sense of resignation and was labeled 'loss of motivation.'
Conclusions:
Implications regarding scoring of the scale in this population are discussed, as are implications of the two-factor structure for our understanding of hopelessness in individuals with advanced cancer.
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