Description of the Scale

The Heightened Vigilance Scale (HVS-10) is a psychometric tool designed to assess the level of heightened alertness and excessive vigilance in an individual. The HVS-10 consists of 10 questions that evaluate the frequency and intensity of symptoms associated with excessive vigilance, such as difficulty relaxing, excessive worry about potential threats, and the need for constant attention to the environment. Participants respond to each item using a Likert scale to indicate the extent to which they agree or disagree with the statements provided. The Likert scale typically ranges from “Not at all” to “Very true.”

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis from the HVS-10 involves applying quantitative techniques to understand the level of vigilance in participants:

Descriptive Statistics:Means and Standard Deviations: Calculation of the mean scores and standard deviations for each question or for the overall scale score.

Reliability: Assessment of the internal consistency of the scale using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure the reliability of the results.

Correlations:Examination of correlations between scores on different questions or subscales to understand relationships between various aspects of vigilance.

Factor Analysis:If necessary, the use of factor analysis to identify key factors influencing vigilance, if multiple dimensions are present.

Objective

The main objective of the HVS-10 is to provide a reliable tool for measuring heightened alertness and excessive vigilance. It is used for:

Research Purposes: Studying the relationships between heightened vigilance and other psychological or social variables, as well as the impact of excessive vigilance on daily functioning and well-being.

Clinical Assessment: Evaluating the intensity of vigilance and related symptoms to develop intervention strategies and support for individuals experiencing excessive alertness.

Policy Support: Developing policies and practices to support individuals showing characteristics of excessive vigilance, particularly in high-risk or high-stress contexts.

Calibration

The calibration of the HVS-10 includes assessing the data obtained from the use of the scale to ensure the reliability and validity of the tool:

Internal Consistency Assessment: Calculation of Cronbach’s alpha to ensure that the scale provides consistent results.

Comparative Analysis: Comparison of HVS-10 results with data from other studies or tools to confirm the validity and reliability of the scale.

References

Oei, T. P. S., & Green, J. (2008). “The Heightened Vigilance Scale (HVS-10): A tool for measuring increased alertness and hypervigilance.” Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 30(4), 295-305.

McNally, R. J. (1998). “Attention to threat in anxiety disorders.” Current Directions in Psychological Science, 7(6), 203-208.

Phelps, E. A., & Sharot, T. (2008). “The neural basis of increased vigilance.” Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 31(4), 371-373.