Development and validation of the Harm Concept Breadth Scale: Assessing individual differences in harm inflation.

Melanie J Mcgrath,Nick Haslam,Frantisek Sudzina

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0237732

Abstract

Three studies (Ns = 350, 301 & 341) examined the reliability, validity, and correlates of a new measure of harm inflation, the individual differences counterpart of ‘concept creep’. The Harm Concept Breadth Scale (HCBS) assesses variability in the expansiveness of concepts of harm (i.e., bullying, mental disorder, prejudice, trauma), such that these concepts refer to a wider range of phenomena among people scoring high on the scale. Study 1 developed 66 vignettes representing potential instances of the four concepts, selected optimal subsets of 10 vignettes for each concept, and demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency of the subscales. Study 2 demonstrated that the HCBS had excellent internal consistency, and established construct validity through associations with measures of moral foundations, justice sensitivity, general category inclusiveness, and political orientation. Study 3 employed participants from a different national background and further clarified the correlates of the HCBS via measures of empathy, moral expansiveness, and the Big Five personality traits. The findings indicate that concept breadth is a reliably measurable individual difference variable with weak to moderate associations with harm-based morality, prosocial concern, political liberalism, female gender, and negative emotionality. The HCBS is a valid psychometric instrument for examining the causes and implications of harm inflation.

Highlights

Western societies appear to be increasingly preoccupied with harm
Mean age and gender breakdown were comparable across subsamples
The final items of the scale are provided in S1 File (a 12-item short form of the Harm Concept Breadth Scale and associated scale statistics are provided in S2 File)

Summary

Introduction

Western societies appear to be increasingly preoccupied with harm. there is evidence that life in these societies is becoming safer [1], our cultures pay growing attention to abuse, bullying, harassment, mental health problems, prejudice, and trauma. Often associated with the political left, our societies are becoming more aware of previously ignored or tolerated forms of harmful behavior and experience, and are taking steps to address them. In this view, our growing attention to harm represents a progressive expansion of care and moral concern for others. Often associated with the political right, the rising emphasis on harm reflects over-sensitivity, weakness, and vulnerability.

Methods

Results

Conclusion