Templer Death Anxiety Scale – DAS
A 15-item self-report instrument designed to measure the quantitative level of death anxiety.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Templer Death Anxiety Scale – DAS was developed by Donald I. Templer (1970). It is designed to measure Death Anxiety. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 15 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a dichotomous True/False format.
The scale includes 6 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 0 to 15. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Death Anxiety: 0 – 4
- Moderate Death Anxiety: 5 – 9
- High Death Anxiety: 10 – 15
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.76.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.