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Unique Invulnerability Measurement in Skydivers: Scale Validation
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by Dana Bodner, C. D. Cochran, and Toni L. Blum* - Stetson University
Categories: Personality | Psychometrics | Social
This study validated 2 recently developed unique invulnerability scales and compared the levels of unique invulnerability between a high-risk-taking group of 40 skydivers and a control group of 40 college students. Whereas the General Unique Invulnerability Scale (GUI; Cochran & Farson, 1998) asked participants to consider the probability of experiencing negative life events themselves, the Comparison Unique Invulnerability Scale (CUI; Cochran & Farson, 1998) required participants to compare the likelihood of these experiences occurring to themselves versus the likelihood of these experiences occurring to others. Skydivers had significantly higher GUI scores than did students. Scores on the CUI were negatively correlated with the GUI. Comparisons of GUI and CUI scores with other measures are discussed for validity purposes.