Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Multidimensional Orientation Toward Dying and Death Inventory Among Students

Objective: Attitude toward dying and death is a conceptual response, based on the individual psychosocial and cultural experiences. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Multidimensional Orientation toward Dying and Death Inventory (MODDI-F) among Iranian students. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, we selected 320 students from universities of Tehran City, Iran, in the academic year 2016-2017. The study data were collected by the MODDI-F, the existential anxiety scale, the Oxford happiness questionnaire, the general health questionnaire, and the death anxiety scale (DAS). The obtained data were analyzed by factor analysis, the Pearson correlation, and the Cronbach α coefficient in SPSS V.22. The confirmatory factor analysis assessed the factor structure. Results: According to the results, the proposed model for the MODDI-F with eight factors had a good fit to the data. Also, the reliability of the MODDI-F was assessed using the Cronbach α and test-retest reliability coefficients. The Cronbach α coefficients were higher than 0.70 for all subscales, except for death denial. Besides, the Pearson correlation coefficient indicated significant relationships between the MODDI-F factors and convergent and divergent factors of other questionnaires, indicating the convergent and divergent validity of the inventory. Conclusion: The MODDI-F has acceptable psychometric properties because of its easy administration, scoring, and interpretation; it also has suitable validity and reliability. Thus, researchers can safely use it in their studies.