NIJAMSS peer-reviewed article

Development and Psychometric Validation of the Human Sustainability Index (HSI-CV1): A Multiphase Mixed-Methods Study Protocol with Physiological Anchoring and Longitudinal Predictive Validity

Moumita Nandy; Arpit Bansal; S. Sandhya; Col. Jyotirmaya Satpathy; Sweta Adatia

Abstract: Background: Contemporary approaches to mental health and human development increasingly recognize that sustainable functioning depends not only on the absence of psychological illness but also on resilience, supportive environments, social connectedness, access to preventive resources, and the regulatory capacity of the body. However, existing instruments frequently assess these dimensions separately, and almost none pairs self-report with physiological measurement. A multidimensional instrument capable of examining the sustainability of human functioning across psychological, relational, organizational, preventive, and physiological domains may provide a useful framework for research and intervention. This study protocol proposes the development and psychometric validation of the Human Sustainability Index (HSI-CV1), a multidimensional self-report instrument designed to assess conditions associated with sustainable psychological and social functioning across the life course. Objective: The primary objective is to develop and evaluate the reliability, validity, factor structure, physiological convergence, responsiveness, and longitudinal predictive utility of the HSI-CV1. Methods: A multiphase mixed-methods design will be used. Phase 1 will involve construct definition and item generation through literature review and theoretical synthesis. Phase 2 will involve expert evaluation of item relevance, clarity, and content validity. Phase 3 will use cognitive interviews to evaluate comprehension and response processes. Phase 4 will involve pilot administration and exploratory factor analysis. Phase 5 will involve confirmatory factor analysis, reliability assessment, convergent and discriminant validity testing, and measurement-invariance analysis. A physiological subsample will wear a validated consumer device for seven days to test convergence between HSI scores and vagally mediated heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep. A brief regulatory intervention sub-study will test responsiveness. A longitudinal subsample will subsequently be assessed to examine test-retest reliability and predictive validity. The anticipated primary sample will comprise approximately 1,200 to 1,500 adults recruited across multiple occupational and social contexts, including a tertiary hospital in northern India. Expected contribution: The HSI-CV1 is intended to provide a multidimensional framework for evaluating human sustainability and identifying psychological, relational, organizational, preventive, and physiological factors associated with sustainable functioning. The study will establish the preliminary psychometric foundation required for subsequent epidemiological, clinical, organizational, and longitudinal research.

Keywords: Burnout; Heart rate variability; Human sustainability; Nature exposure; Preventive health; Psychological well-being; Psychometrics; Resilience; Scale development; Social connectedness

Journal

Nexus International Journal of Applied Science, Medicine and Social Sciences

e-ISSN

3144-2196

Publication date

August 2026

Volume / Issue

Vol. 1, Issue 2

Paper number

026

Article type

Study Protocol

Published paper ID

NIJAMSS-V1S2-AUG2026-026

Publisher

Nexus Academic Press

Access

Open Access

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