Relation of Existential and Religious Variables to the Death Depression Scale-Revised

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of existential variables as measured by the Life Attitude Profile-Revised (LAP-R), religious variables, and demographic variables to the Death Depression Scale-Revised (DDS-R). Participants were 500 English-speaking adults from undergraduate and graduate college classes, various work settings, church groups, and community organizations. The DDS-R total score, and at least one of the DDS-R factor scores, were significantly related to all eight of the LAP-R subscales and all but one of the five religious variables examined. Of particular significance are the LAP-R Purpose scale, LAP-R Death Acceptance scale, LAP-R Existential Vacuum scale, and the “strength of certainty regarding life after death” item. Among the demographic variables, being older, having more education, and living with a significant other were associated with lower DDS-R scores. Asian ethnicity and Catholic religion stood out as related to higher DDS-R scores.