Death Perspective Scales (DPS)
A multidimensional self-report instrument designed to measure different emotional reactions and perspectives toward the concept of death.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Death Perspective Scales (DPS) was developed by Bernard Spilka, Larry Stout, Barbara Minton, & Douglas Sizemore (1977). It is designed to measure Death Perspectives. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 43 items organized into 8 factors/subscales: Death as Pain and Loneliness, Death as an Afterlife of Reward, Indifference toward Death, Death as Unknown, Death as Forsaking Dependents Plus Guilt, Death as Courage, Death as Failure, Death as a Natural End.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Death as Pain and Loneliness | 1,2,3,4,5,6 | 6 |
| Death as an Afterlife of Reward | 7,8,9,10,11,12 | 6 |
| Indifference toward Death | 13,14,15,16,17 | 5 |
| Death as Unknown | 18,19,20,21,22,23 | 6 |
| Death as Forsaking Dependents Plus Guilt | 24,25,26,27,28 | 5 |
| Death as Courage | 29,30,31,32,33,34 | 6 |
| Death as Failure | 35,36,37,38,39 | 5 |
| Death as a Natural End | 40,41,42,43 | 4 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Slightly Disagree, 4 = Slightly Agree, 5 = Agree, 6 = Strongly Agree.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 1 to 6. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Agreement: 1 – 2
- Moderate Agreement: 3 – 4
- High Agreement: 5 – 6
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of K-R 20 ranges from .71 to .92 across subscales.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.