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Corroborating evidence of posttraumatic growth
Jane Shakespeare-Finch1, Tracey Enders
1School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. j.shakespeare-finch@qut.edu.au
Journal of Traumatic Stress
|August 23, 2008
Summary
This study validated the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) by having trauma survivors and their significant others complete it. Results show strong correlations, supporting the PTGI
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Posttraumatic growth (PTG) research has expanded significantly.
- Concerns exist regarding the psychometric validity of self-report measures for PTG.
- Observer corroboration is needed to establish convergent validity for PTG measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI).
- To assess the convergent validity of the PTGI using observer reports.
- To confirm the PTGI as a reliable measure of positive changes after trauma.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 61 trauma survivors and 61 paired significant others.
- Both survivors and their significant others completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI).
- Correlations between survivor and observer PTGI scores were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between total PTGI scores from trauma survivors and their significant others.
- This correlation supports the convergent validity of the PTGI.
- The findings indicate that the PTGI accurately measures posttraumatic growth.
Conclusions:
- The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) is a valid and reliable self-report measure for assessing posttraumatic growth.
- Observer corroboration strengthens the validity of PTG self-report measures.
- The PTGI effectively captures positive psychological changes following traumatic experiences.
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