The Validation of the Korean Dementia Public Stigma Scale (K-DPSS)

Abstract

This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the Dementia Public Stigma Scale (K-DPSS), based on the social cognitive model, to systematically assess public stigma toward dementia among the general population. A total of 1,000 adults aged 20-69 completed an online survey. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (n=300; n=700) for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results supported a four-factor structure comprising 11 items: discomfort/fear, incapability/loss, dehumanization, and burden. Behavioral stigma factor "exclusion", included in the original scale, was not retained in the Korean version. The K-DPSS demonstrated convergent validity through significant correlations with dementia attitudes, fear of dementia, ageism, and anxiety about aging. Demographic analyses revealed that women, individuals aged 40-60, and married respondents showed significantly higher scores on the burden subscale. These findings suggest that the stigma-related cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses differ across demographic groups. The omission of the exclusion factor may reflect social desirability bias and a cultural tendency to suppress negative expressions. The K-DPSS is expected to serve as a validated instrument for evaluating psychosocial interventions aimed at promoting dementia awareness, informing caregiver support policies, and fostering dementia-friendly environments.