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.
Killgore
William D S
WD
Division of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, 503 Robert Grant Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
Castro
Carl A
CA
Hoge
Charles W
CW
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*