Psychometric characteristics of the Reasons for Death Fear Scale among Iranian nurses

Abstract

Objectives: Death fear is the main subject in thanatology. Several researchers have defined different reasons for fear of death. This study aimed to explore the performance of the Farsi version of the Reasons for Death Fear Scale (RDFS) among a convenience sample of Iranian nurses (n = 106). Methods: The nurses were selected by the convenience sampling method and were asked to complete the RDFS, Death Concern Scale, Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale, Death Anxiety Scale, Death Depression Scale, and Death Obsession Scale. Results: For the RDFS, the Cronbach's a coefficient was 0.90, and the 2-week test–retest reliability was 0.64. The RDFS was correlated at 0.34, 0.39, 0.50, 0.35, and 0.39 to the above-mentioned five scales, indicating its good construct and criterion-related validity. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, the RDFS-identified four factors accounted for 66.20% of the variance and were labeled as “Fear of Pain and Punishment,” “Fear of Losing Worldly Involvements,” “Religious Transgressions and Failures,” and “Parting from Loved Ones.” Conclusions: The RDFS presents good validity and reliability and can be used in clinical and research settings in Iran. Keywords: Reasons for Death Fear Scale, Factorial structure, Hospital, Nurses, Reliability, Validity