Herth Hope Index in Ecuadorian university students: Psychometric analysis from classical test theory and item response theory

Objective: This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Herth Hope Index (HHI) in a sample of Ecuadorian university students. Method: A psychometric examination of the HHI was performed using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). Sample: The study involved 879 university students from 10 public universities in Ecuador, of which 79.6% were women and 20.4% men. The ages of the participants ranged between 18 and 67 years (M = 29.71; SD = 7.92). Results: The CTT analyzes indicated that the HHI is best adjusted through a bifactor model, which includes: a) Temporality and Expectation; b) Interconnection factors; and c) A general factor. The internal consistency of the scores was high for all factors and the HHI demonstrated convergence with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). analyzes with IRT revealed that the HHI items had high discrimination and appropriate levels of difficulty, indicating that the scale effectively measures the latent construct of hope with a required skill level ranging from low to average. Conclusion: The HHI is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate hope in university students in Ecuador. Statement of importance: The validation of the HHI in the Ecuadorian university context allows the availability of calibrated measures to identify the current state of this construct and thus be able to better describe the dynamics of this phenomenon, the population behavior and the interactions they maintain with others constructs.