Relationship Between Beck Hopelessness Scale and Suicidal Ideation: A Short-term Longitudinal Study

We aimed to clarify if the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) predicted change in suicidal ideation in the general population. This study used a prospective cohort design (4-week survey interval) ( = 3,295). The online survey covered the BHS, suicidal ideation, depression/anxiety tendencies, and demographic details. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed hopelessness was a significant predictor of change in suicidal ideation from T1 to T2 ( = 0.07, 95% confidence interval: 0.05-0.09). Although high hopelessness was related to a short-term rise in suicidal ideation, the risk for suicide cannot be judged adequately by hopelessness from a clinical perspective.