Abstract

Fearlessness about death(FAD) is considered a significant factor associated with suicidal capability. It is primarily measured as a continuous variable using self-report instruments. This measurement approach operates under the assumption that the latent structure of FAD adheres to a dimensional model. However, suicide phenomena may manifest qualitatively distinct states from general psychological conditions, complicating the exclusion of the possibility that FAD follows a categorical model rather than a dimensional one. This study aimed to systematically analyze the latent structure of FAD using taxometric procedures. A total of 1,050 adults participated in this study and responded to a self-report instrument measuring FAD. Collected data were analyzed using three non-redundant taxometric techniques (MAMBAC, MAXEIG, L-Mode). Analysis results indicated that a dimensional model is more fitting for FAD. Theoretical and clinical implications of the study findings were subsequently discussed.