A Psychometric Analysis of the Structure of a Childhood Grief Instrument

Objective: The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the structure of a recently developed instrument used to measure grief related symptoms in youth. The Planet Kid Grief and Loss Measurement Tool (PKGL) was created for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of a therapeutic bereavement program. Methods: Multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) was conducted on PKGL pre- and post-test scores of 27 pre-test, and 24 post-test bereaved children and adolescents (ages 5 – 13) who completed a five-month therapeutic program. Results: MDS results provide support for a two-dimensional model of pre-test PKGL scores that includes six facets: Communication, Behavioral Problems, Remembrance, Responsibility, Worry, and Physical Distress. The post-test scores were best represented by a two dimensional model of post-test PKGL scores that included two facets, Positive and Negative aspects of grief. Conclusion: The dissertation concludes by considering possible reasons for the change in structure of the MDS maps between pre- and post-test, and providing suggestions for future research aimed at refining and improving the PKGL.