Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hypervigilance?

Decreased heart rate is not a characteristic of hypervigilance. In fact, hypervigilance typically manifests as heightened alertness and a variety of physiological responses associated with anxiety or stress, such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. This state is often a reaction to perceived threats and involves the body preparing for potential danger, which can lead to symptoms like rapid heartbeat and heightened sensitivity to stimuli.

The other characteristics listed, such as increased peripheral vision and more focused hearing, can be part of the hypervigilant state, as individuals become more aware of their surroundings and more attentive to sounds that indicate potential threats. These heightened senses are the body’s way of responding to danger, aligning with the body's survival mechanisms.