Translation and Validation of the Coping with Death Scale: A Study with Nurses

Abstract

Theoretical framework: Coping with death allows dealing with death on a daily basis and is a key measure to assess the impact of professional training on the topic. Objectives: To translate and validate the Coping with Death Scale (Bugen, 1980-81) into Portuguese among Portuguese nurses. Methodology: Exploratory study of translation/back-translation, followed by psychometric analysis in a sample of 107 nurses working in oncology services. Results: The scale showed high internal consistency (α = 0.89). Following the study on validity, four items from the original version were deleted, and the two-factor solution was maintained (coping with one’s own death and coping with the death of others). No gender differences were found. Nurses with training in palliative care had higher levels of coping. Conclusion: The Portuguese version is useful to understand how healthcare professionals cope with death and assess the effectiveness of training in coping with death and dying.