An Evaluation of the Hierarchical Factor Structure of the Persian Version of the Death Anxiety Scale in Iranian Nursing Students

Background and Objective: The study evaluates the hierarchical factor structure of the Persian version of the Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale (TDAS) in a sample of Iranian nursing students. Materials and Methods: A repeated measures standard psychometric analysis was conducted. 400 nursing students from a major university campus in Sari, Iran completed the Persian version of the 15-item TDAS. Construct validity was assessed. Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach s Alpha (α), Theta (θ), and McDonald’s Omega (Ω) coefficients. Findings: The exploratory factor analysis (N = 200) showed that the TDAS had two factors (Fear of loss of life, and Fear to face death). Model fitness indicators confirmed two independent TDAS structure levels. The Cronbach’s alpha, Theta, McDonald, and construct reliability were greater than .70. Conclusion: The study confirmed acceptable psychometric properties and factor structure of the TDAS in a sample of Iranian nursing students. Findings suggest that the scale can be used for valid and reliable assessment of death anxiety in Iranian nursing groups.

Keywords:

Psychometric , Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale , Death , Anxiety , Nursing students