| This study examined the construct validity of Tedeschi and Calhoun's (2004) theory of posttraumatic growth, as measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996), by empirically examining the nature of its relationship with hardiness, sense of coherence, resilience, self-efficacy, locus of control, and optimism. Data from 276 students and community members were collected through a web-based survey. Findings from a correlational and exploratory factor analysis did not support the theoretical link that Tedeschi and Calhoun purported would exist between posttraumatic growth and the six personality variables. Tedeschi and Calhoun's proposed 5 domain model of growth was also examined through a confirmatory factor analysis. Results and suggested modifications did not indicate an adequate level of fit for the model to this sample (chi2=457.33( p <.0001), RMSEA = .09, CFI = .87, NFI = .81, GFI = .80). Exploratory analysis also failed to reveal a significant difference in total PTGI scores between individuals who did and did not report experiencing a traumatic event. Clinical implications for utilizing posttraumatic growth, as measured by the PTGI, could not be explored due to a lack of construct validity found in the study. In order to further explore the construct validity of posttraumatic growth, as measured by the PTGI, possible future areas of research are examined, including the underlying factor structure of the PTGI and further exploration of the nature of the relationship between posttraumatic growth and theoretically related personality variables. |
