title: The factor structure of the posttraumatic growth inventory: a comparison of five models using confirmatory factor analysis.
abstract: There are different views about the dimensions of the positive changes resulting from the struggle with traumatic events. Using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) data reported by participants (N = 926) experiencing a variety of traumatic events, five models of the underlying structure of the PTGI were tested via confirmatory factor analyses to examine whether the PTGI comprises three domains (Changed Perception of Self, Changed Interpersonal Relationships, and Changed Philosophy of Life), five factors (Relating to Others, New Possibilities, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life), or a unitary dimension. Results indicated an oblique 5-factor model best fit the data, thus revealing the PTGI was multidimensional. Present findings offer implications for understanding the nature of posttraumatic growth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. ktaku@uncc.edu
authors.forename: Kanako
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Taku
authors.forename: Arnie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cann
authors.forename: Lawrence G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Calhoun
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Tedeschi
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000533:Altruism; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015233:Models, Statistical; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data