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

Full 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.

Author information

Author/s: Phillips-Salimi, Celeste R (CR); Haase, Joan E (JE); Kintner, Eileen Kae (EK); Monahan, Patrick O (PO); Azzouz, Faouzi (F);

Affiliation: School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis 46202, USA. cephilli(-atsign-)iupui.edu

Grants: R29 NR03882-01A1 (Agency:NINR NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Validation Studies

Journal: Journal of nursing measurement (J Nurs Meas), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-; vol 15 (issue 1) : pp 3-23

Dates: Created 2007/08/01; Completed 2007/09/19; Revised 2007/12/03;

PMID: 17665817, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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