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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Beach Safety Hierarchy Assessment Scale (BSHAS): Development, Factor Structure, and Preliminary Validation of a Five-Level Model of Nervous System Readiness in Trauma-Affected Intimate Relationships

Authors: Beach, Scott;

The Beach Safety Hierarchy Assessment Scale (BSHAS): Development, Factor Structure, and Preliminary Validation of a Five-Level Model of Nervous System Readiness in Trauma-Affected Intimate Relationships

Abstract

This study introduces the Beach Safety Hierarchy Assessment Scale (BSHAS), a 25-item self- and partner-report instrument measuring five theorized levels of nervous system readiness for relational engagement in individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex PTSD. The model proposes that relational safety operates hierarchically: Physiological Safety (L1) and Emotional Safety (L2) must be sufficiently established before Relational Safety (L3) can support proximity, and that Relational Safety does not imply Cognitive Engagement (L4) or Reflective Integration (L5). Data from 160 dyadic pairs (N = 320; 160 self-reports, 160 matched partner-reports) recruited from trauma-focused online communities supported the hierarchical pattern. The strongest finding was the L3-L4 gap: among respondents with relational safety online (L3 > 3.0), cognitive engagement dropped by an average of 1.31 points (p < .001), confirming the model's core claim that calm relational presence does not equal cognitive readiness. Levels 1 and 2 demonstrated discriminant validity (r = .28), supporting their distinction as separate constructs. Dyadic concordance was strong across all levels (within-pair r = .73-.85), with a consistent directional bias: partners perceived more physiological activation and less relational/cognitive access than individuals self-reported. These findings provide preliminary empirical support for a hierarchical model of nervous system readiness grounded in polyvagal theory, attachment theory, and sensorimotor approaches to trauma.

Keywords

partner report, Couples Therapy, nervous system regulation, trauma, attachment theory, hierarchical safety model, intimate relationships, psychometric validation, complex PTSD, Dissociative Disorders, dyadic assessment, polyvagal theory

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average