Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Grief Response Scale (GRS) in Bereaved Iranian Students

Abstract

Background: Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) has been included in the new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Research has demonstrated the crucial role of various responses concerning grief, and the occurrence of grief responses is culture-dependent. Investigation of grief response in Iran is necessary. Objectives: The present study aimed to study the psychometric properties of the Grief Response Scale (GRS) in a sample of bereaved university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Iran in 2024. The sample included 315 bereaved university students (82% female, 18% male) with a mean age of 30.4 years (SD = 10.8); most participants were single and held a bachelor’s degree. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to investigate construct validity. Reliability was determined by Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Results: Six factors accounting for 61.99% of the variance were revealed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) demonstrated an acceptable fit [χ2/df = 2.655, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.848, root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.073], supporting the construct validity of the Persian GRS. The total Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.70, and the total McDonald’s omega value was 0.72, demonstrating adequate reliability. Conclusions: The GRS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring grief reactions in Iranian students, with potential use in mental health screening, clinical evaluation, and intervention planning in school and community settings.