Adaptation of the Beck Hopelessness Scale in Hungary

Hopelessness Scale (BHS) developed by Aaron Beck is an internationally accepted measure in the prediction of suicide. Our study focusssed on the adaptation of the scale in Hungary and its psychometric analysis. From the 1950s Hungary has always been among the top ten countries with the highest suicide rates in the world therefore a valid and reliable measure as a screening instrument in suicide prevention has utmost importance. Three different Hungarian samples (depressed patients with and without suicide attempt as well as control subjects) participated in the research. Results showed that the Hungarian version of BHS is a valid and reliable measure.