Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025

Disrupting Reconsolidation of Fear Memory in Humans by a Noradrenergic β-Blocker
Published on: December 18, 2014
Psychometric Properties of the Norwegian Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale
M M Iversen1,2, T M Norekvål1,2,3, K Oterhals1,2
1Centre on Patient-Reported Outcomes, Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Postboks 1400, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
Abstract:
To examine the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), randomly selected individuals from a larger registry study were invited. We assessed the reliability and validity of the instrument in a sample of 1089 adults in Norway (response rate 73%). Internal consistency measured by Cronbach's alpha (0.88) was acceptable. Omega alphaHierarchical (ωt = 0.69) was lower indicating that the general factor is less reliable, explaining 69% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the FCV-19S is not strictly unidimensional. Exploratory graph analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model (cognitive and somatic fear), which were highly correlated (r = 0.84). The Norwegian version of the FCV-19S showed an underlying two-factor structure. However, the high correlation means the two latent factors (cognitive and somatic fear) act as indicators for a second-order general factor and support use of the FCV-19S sum score. The FCV-19S appears to be a valid instrument to assess fear of COVID-19 with good psychometric properties.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-020-00454-2.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Report Tests of Personality
Five-Factor Theory of Personality
Openness reflects creativity, curiosity, and openness to new experiences. Individuals scoring high in openness are imaginative, have a wide range of interests, and are independent...
Reliability and Validity
Preparedness and Phobias
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Confidence Coefficient

