Validation of the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) Among Health and Social Care Workers in the UK

Nicola Cogan (), John Campbell, Liza Morton, David Young and Stephen Porges
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Nicola Cogan: Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1QE, Scotland, UK
John Campbell: Department of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1QE, Scotland, UK
Liza Morton: Psychology Department, Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland, UK
David Young: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XH, Scotland, UK
Stephen Porges: Traumatic Stress Research Consortium, Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, 150 S Woodlawn Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: Psychological safety is essential for rest, recovery, and fostering social connections, particularly for health and social care workers (HSCWs) who frequently operate in high-pressure environments. These workers are prone to traumatic stress, which can elevate their sense of threat and undermine their psychological safety. This study aimed to validate the Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS) among HSCWs in the UK ( n = 443). The NPSS is based on polyvagal theory and assesses the dimensions of compassion, social engagement and bodily sensations. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity were examined, along with the scale’s dimensionality. A three-factor structure was confirmed, with internal consistencies ranging from acceptable to excellent across subscales. Validity was supported by significant associations with measures of team psychological safety, well-being, post-traumatic stress, burnout, body perception, and personality. The NPSS also demonstrated strong test–retest reliability. These results validate the NPSS as a reliable and multidimensional tool for assessing psychological safety in health and social care settings. The study highlights the importance of psychological safety for HSCWs and provides a valuable measure to support interventions aimed at fostering safer and more supportive work environments.

Keywords: psychological safety; polyvagal theory; psychometric validation; health and social care workers; mental health; trauma; post-traumatic growth; compassionate care; trauma-informed practice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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