Sex differences in self-reported risk-taking propensity on the Evaluation of Risks scale.
The Evaluation of Risks scale was recently developed as a self-report inventory for assessing risk-taking propensity, but further validation is necessary because most studies have predominantly included male subjects. Because males commonly exhibit greater risk-taking propensity than females, evidence of such a sex difference on the scale would further support its construct validity. 29 men and 25 women equated for age (range: 18 to 36 years) completed the scale. Internal consistency of the scale was generally modest, particularly among women. Men scored significantly higher than women on four of nine indices of risk-taking propensity, including Danger Seeking, Energy, Invincibility, and Total Risk-Propensity. Factors measuring thrill seeking and danger seeking correlated positively with a concurrent measure of sensation seeking. Although the higher scores exhibited by men are consistent with prior research on other measures of risk-taking, further research on this scale with samples including women is warranted.
Killgore
William D S
WD
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA. killgore@mclean.harvard.edu
Grugle
Nancy L
NL
Killgore
Desiree B
DB
Balkin
Thomas J
TJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D055815:Young Adult