Preliminary normative data for the Evaluation of Risks Scale-Bubble Sheet Version (EVAR-B) for large-scale surveys of returning combat veterans.
OBJECTIVE
The Evaluation of Risks (EVAR) scale has been used to assess risk-taking propensity in military samples. This report provides preliminary reliability, validity, and normative data on a modified version of the instrument designed to facilitate data entry with optical scanners, the Evaluation of Risks-Bubble Sheet version (EVAR-B).


METHODS
2,015 U.S. Army soldiers completed the EVAR-B and a survey assessing risk-related behaviors 3 months after returning home from combat deployment in Iraq.


RESULTS
EVAR-B demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and reliability and correlated significantly with independent measures of self-reported risk-taking behavior, including alcohol use and aggressive behavior, in the weeks preceding the survey. Tentative cut-offs significantly differentiated heavy drinkers, dangerous drivers, and soldiers reporting recent aggressive outbursts. Normative data are provided for comparison with future studies.


CONCLUSIONS
The EVAR-B is a reliable and valid measure of risk-taking propensity, which provides enhanced flexibility for administration and scoring in large surveys and field environments.
Division of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
William D S
WD
Killgore
Carl A
CA
Castro
Charles W
CW
Hoge
D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*