Table 2 Descriptive statistics of SC-DWS, its Existential subscale, Emotional subscale and each item

SC-DWS (Item 1 - 16)

Existential Subscale (Item 1 - 7, 11-12, 16)

Emotional Subscale (Item 8 - 10, 14)

1. I can fully accept that I cannot completely control life, for example, the life and death of patient/service user.

2. I can fully accept that suffering is inevitable, for example, the suffering of patient/service user during the dying process.

3. I am prepared for my death and that of my family, for example, being open to discuss death with my family, or think about my funeral.

4. I have finished most of my business, which has reduced my life regrets.

5. Confronted by uncertainties in life, I take things less for granted and apply this to my life.

6. Confronted by uncertainties in life, I live my life more positively and have found my meaning in life.

7. I can fully accept that my emotions are aroused during work.

8. I can effectively cope with my emotions induced by work.

9. I have coped with my bereavement experience or experience related to death.

10. When I feel stressed by work, I can take care of my needs properly.

11. I can fully accept the nature of death work, including pity or depressed feelings.

12. Even though death is inevitable, I admire my contribution to work.

13. When I feel stressed by work, I can find meaning in work.

14. I do not bring work-induced emotions into life and do not bring life-induced emotions into work.

15. I admit that helping professionals are challenged by life and death like ordinary people, so I can accept my limitations in work.

16. I can fully accept that, even though I am a helping professional, I feel helpless about life and death.