Psychometric properties of the Herth Hope Index in adolescents and young adults with cancer

Abstract

The Herth Hope Index (HHIndex), originally developed for adults, was examined for appropriateness in two studies of adolescents and young adults with cancer-those at various stages of treatment (N = 127) and those newly diagnosed (N = 74). The internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha) of the index was .84 and .78, respectively, in the two samples. Construct validity was supported by discriminant correlations in the moderate to low range between the HHIndex and measures of uncertainty in illness and symptom distress, and by moderate convergent correlations with measures of resilience (self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-transcendence) and quality of life (index of well-being). A four-step factor analysis procedure was done, and confirmatory factor analysis suggested that a one-factor solution best fit the data in this population. Findings indicate that the HHIndex is a reliable measure of hope in adolescents and young adults with cancer. Evidence of discriminant and convergent validity in measuring hope in adolescents and young adults with cancer was also generated. Further exploration of the HHIndex factor structure in adolescents and young adults is needed.