A Factor Analytic Inquiry into the Multidimensionality of Death Anxiety

The multidimensionality of the concept of death anxiety is highlighted and previous attempts to clarify the concept are reviewed. Advantages of the factor analytic method of concept elaboration are presented. A study is reported in which four dimensions of death anxiety were identified and a test instrument for the measurement of each dimension constructed. A group of 135 students and a statewide probability sample of 1279 respondents were used in the study. The dimensions of death anxiety identified are death avoidance, death fear, death denial and reluctance to interact with the dying. Relationships between factor scores and unfactored index scores are discussed.