Turkish Version of the Psychological Responses to Grief Before Loss of Health Scale

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the Turkish validity and reliability of the original Spanish version of the Psychological Responses to Grief before Loss of Health Scale (RPD-PDS-38). The research sample consisted of 538 women who were diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancers, volunteered, and had no communication problems. The scale was determined to consist of 30 items with 6 factors, explaining 63.9% of the total variance. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses established that the 30-item Turkish version yielded six interpretable factors (Faith and Hope, Acceptance, Anger, Negotiation, Depression, and Denial). While this is the same as the original version of the scale in the number of factors (six factors), it differs from the original version in that the original scale has 38 items and explains 46.46% of the total variance. Assessment is carried out based on the scores received from the sub-dimensions. The higher the scores received from the sub-dimensions, the more often individuals experienced a stage of grief. The scale was determined to be a reliable measuring instrument. The study suggests that the Turkish version of the RPD-PDS-30 scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing psychological responses to grief before the loss of health in patients diagnosed with breast and gynecological cancers in Turkey.