Using a sample of 834 normal ninth-grade students, and 93 adolescent suicide attempters, the psychometric properties of the Hopeless Scale for Children (HSC) were evaluated. Factor analysis studies showed two factors with both groups. Internal consistency with item-total score correlations were acceptable, while moderate test-related reliability was found with the normal sample over a ten-week period. Studies with the suicide attempter group found positive correlations with depression and depressive attributional style providing support for the validity of the HSC. Predicted differences between the normal controls, the suicide attempters, and on outpatient psychiatric sample were also found. Some items did not appear to discriminate suicide attempters from controls. Results are discussed with regard to differences between adult and child samples in hopelessness and in terms of the utility of the HSC with adolescents and adolescent suicide attempters. It is not appropriate to draw conclusions about affective state prior to a suicide attempt using data obtained following that attempt. The level of hopelessness after a suicide attempt might be helpful in determining who might successfully complete suicide in the future. 5 Tables, 30 References. (Author abstract modified).