title: On the dimensionality of the stress-related growth scale: one, three, or seven factors?
abstract: We examined the factorial validity and dimensionality of the Stress-Related Growth Scale (SRGS; Park, Cohen, & Murch, 1996) using a large multiethnic sample (n = 1,070). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that a multidimensional representation of the SRGS fit better than a unidimensional representation. Specifically, we cross-validated both a 3-factor model and a 7-factor model using confirmatory factor analysis and were shown to be invariant across gender and ethnic groups. The 3-factor model was represented by global dimensions of growth that included rational/mature thinking, affective/emotional growth, and religious/spiritual growth. We replicated the 7-factor model of Armeli, Gunthert, and Cohen (2001) and it represented more specific components of growth such as Self-Understanding and Treatment of Others. However, some factors of the 7-factor model had questionable internal consistency and were strongly intercorrelated, suggesting redundancy. The findings support the notion that the factor structure of both the original 1-factor and revised 7-factor models are unstable and that the 3-factor model developed in this research has more reliable psychometric properties and structure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, CA 92182-4611, USA. scroesch@sciences.sdsu.edu
authors.forename: Scott C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Roesch
authors.forename: Anthony A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Rowley
authors.forename: Allison A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Vaughn
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011594:Psychometrics; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014481:United States