Cognitive processing and acrophobia: Validating the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire

Three studies were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of a new scale: the Heights Interpretation Questionnaire (HIQ). This scale was designed to measure height fear-relevant interpretation bias to help assess the relationship between biased interpretations and acrophobia symptoms. Studies 1 (N = 553) and 2 (N = 308) established the scale's factor structure and convergent and discriminant validity among two large undergraduate samples. Study 3 (N = 48) evaluated the predictive validity of the HIQ by examining how well the scale predicted subjective distress and avoidance on actual heights. Factor analysis resulted in four distinct factors, and results suggest that each of the factors, along with the full HIQ, have good reliability and validity. Additionally, the scale predicts subjective distress and avoidance on heights beyond self-reported acrophobia symptoms. Overall, the HIQ shows promise as a new tool to investigate cognitive processing biases in acrophobia.

► We evaluated the psychometrics of the heights interpretation questionnaire (HIQ).
► Results revealed four factors and suggest good reliability and validity.
► The HIQ predicts subjective distress and avoidance on heights.
► The HIQ shows promise as a tool to investigate cognitive processing biases.