Development and psychometric validation of the Dying Imagery Scale-Revised

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Bereavement Studies
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Sudden death bereavement can lead to intense, intrusive imagery related to the deceased's final moments.
• Existing measures may not adequately capture the multifaceted nature of death-related imagery in survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and psychometrically validate the Dying Imagery Scale-Revised (DIS-R).
• To assess three specific dimensions of death imagery: Reenactment, Remorse, and Revenge.

Main Methods:

• Scale development in a sample of college students experiencing sudden bereavement.
• Psychometric validation (reliability and validity) in a broader sample of suddenly bereaved adults.
• Utilized established psychometric principles for scale construction and testing.

Main Results:

• The 15-item DIS-R demonstrated strong psychometric properties.
• The scale reliably and validly measures Reenactment, Remorse, and Revenge imagery.
• The DIS-R showed potential for clinical utility in assessing bereavement-related imagery.

Conclusions:

• The DIS-R is a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing death imagery in survivors of sudden loss.
• The scale can differentiate between distinct forms of death imagery.
• Findings suggest the DIS-R can be a valuable tool for bereavement counselors and researchers.