Psychometric Evaluation of the Hopefulness Scale for Adolescents in Iranian Adolescents With Cancer: A Methodological Study Publisher



Shirinabadi Farahani A ; Ashrafizadeh H ; Babaie M ; Barasteh S ; Tajalli S ; Valadkhani S ; Jaras M ; Karami M ; Hosseinpour M ; Latifi A ; Khademi F ; Ghorbani H ; Maniago J ; Akbari M E Show All Authors
Source: International Journal of Cancer Management Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Hopefulness is an important adaptive resource for adolescents with cancer and may influence coping, psychosocial adjustment, and quality of life. However, culturally appropriate instruments for assessing hopefulness in Iranian adolescents with cancer remain limited. Objectives: This methodological study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hopefulness Scale for Adolescents (HSA) and to provide preliminary evidence of its construct validity and internal consistency reliability among Iranian adolescents living with cancer. Methods: This methodological study was conducted among 191 adolescents with cancer recruited through convenience sampling from seven major referral teaching hospitals in Iran. Instrument validity was evaluated using qualitative content validity and construct validity, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity assessed using the Self-Transcendence Scale, and known-groups validity. Reliability was assessed by examining internal consistency. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and AMOS version 24. Results: The results supported a unidimensional structure for the 24-item HSA. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated an acceptable model fit (CFI = 0.93, NFI = 0.89, RMSEA = 0.08). Convergent validity was supported by a significant positive correlation between hopefulness and self-transcendence (r = 0.60, P < 0.001). Known-groups validity was confirmed by significant differences in hopefulness scores according to the presence of comorbid conditions (P < 0.001), duration of illness (P = 0.002), educational level (P < 0.001), and age (P < 0.001). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.70. Conclusions: The HSA demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability for assessing hopefulness among Iranian adolescents with cancer. This instrument may be used in both clinical and research settings, including oncology and palliative care, to evaluate hopefulness and assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to enhance hope. Routine assessment of hopefulness may assist nurses and other healthcare professionals in identifying adolescents who require psychosocial support and in monitoring outcomes of hope-promoting interventions. Copyright © 2026, Shirinabadi Farahani et al.