Posttraumatic growth after childhood cancer: Psychometric evaluation of a five-item short form and associations with mental health

Abstract

ObjectiveResearch has described positive psychological outcomes after severe illness, including posttraumatic growth. The aim of the present research was to evaluate a short scale assessing posttraumatic growth within a sample of cancer survivors to provide an efficient instrument for research and care settings. MethodsUsing data of a registry-based sample of N = 633 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) more than 25 years after diagnosis, we conducted an investigation of a five-item short form of the established Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the PPR-5 (PPR stands for “Posttraumatische Persönliche Reifung”, the German expression for posttraumatic growth). We performed a confirmatory factor analysis, tested the PPR-5's internal consistency, and investigated associations with cancer-related, sociodemographic, and mental health variables (assessed using psychometrically tested screening instruments) using group comparisons and correlation analyses within a cross-sectional design. ResultsFindings supported a unidimensional structure of the PPR-5. It also showed good reliability (ω = 0.81). CCS especially endorsed Relating to others and Personal strength. The PPR-5's sum score was negatively associated with current depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder symptoms, intake of antidepressants, and lifetime diagnoses of depression and anxiety disorders. It showed positive associations with resilient coping, higher age at diagnosis, partnership, and parenthood. ConclusionThe PPR-5 allows for a brief assessment of posttraumatic growth. As it indicates aspects that support positive psychological adaptation to life as a (cancer) survivor, it could inform research and practice (e.g., as a screening measure, or in psychotherapy/counseling settings).