COVID-19 Behavioral Health Mindset Inventory: A Method for Enhancing Employee and Consumer Safety

Abstract

The COVID-19 Behavioral Health Mindset inventory (CVBHM) was designed to protect consumers and workers by assessing biosafety risk through acceptance of responsibility for the protection of oneself and others, social distancing, and adhering to prevention measures. The 30-item inventory was evaluated in two surveys of 1,455 (Time 1) and 431 respondents (Time 2). The CVBHM has strong internal consistency (T1 α = .90, T2 α = .88), test-retest reliability (r = .84) and predictive validity with the criterion of wearing a facemask (T1 β = .64, T2 β= .60). The CVBHM was a stronger predictor of safe behavior than other individual differences, although employment status, vocational interest, personality, and demographics were related. There was a drop in CVBHM scores over the study period, with predictable exceptions.