Posttraumatic Growth Inventory Scores Research Articles

Relationship between post traumatic growth and personality characteristics among patients with breast cancer undergoing postoperative radiotherapy

Objective To understand the relationship between psychological symptoms and personality of breast cancer patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy .Methods A total of 169 patients with breast cancer undergoing postoperative radiotherapy were investigated with Eysenck personality questionnaire （ EPQ ） and post traumatic growth inventory （PTGI）, in order to understand their personality characteristics status and post traumatic growth levels .Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.Results The total score of PTGI was （65.83 ±177;13.28）, and there were statistically significant differences in the PTGI scores among different groups of patients who had different EPQ scores in three dimensions of extraversion, neuroticism and psychoticism （F =14.353,9.343,10.534, respectively; P ＜0.01）.The extraversion of patients was positively correlated with their total score of PTGI （r=0.342, P＜0.01）, and the neuroticism and psychoticism of patients were negatively correlated with their total score of PTGI （r=-0.250,-0.287, respectively; P ＜0.01）.The result of regression analysis showed that post traumatic growth of patients with breast cancer was affected by extraversion , neuroticism and psychoticism of EPQ （β=0.343,-0.264, -0.273, respectively;P＜0.05）.Conclusions There is a certain level of post traumatic growth among breast cancer patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy , and there is different growth levels among patients with different personality . Key words: Breast neoplasm; Radiotherapy; Personality; Post traumatic growth; Survey

Predictors of posttraumatic growth in women with breast cancer

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is defined as 'positive psychological change experienced as a result of a struggle with highly challenging life circumstances'. The current study examined change in PTG over 2 years following breast cancer diagnosis and variables associated with PTG over time. Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer completed surveys within 8 months of diagnosis and 6, 12, and 18 months later. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess the longitudinal effects of demographic, medical, and psychosocial variables on PTG as measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). A total of 653 women were accrued (mean age = 54.9, SD = 12.6). Total PTGI score increased over time mostly within the first few months following diagnosis. In the longitudinal model, greater PTGI scores were associated with education level, longer time since diagnosis, greater baseline level of illness intrusiveness, and increases in social support, spirituality, use of active-adaptive coping strategies, and mental health. Findings for the PTGI domains were similar to those for the total score except for the Spiritual Change domain. PTG develops relatively soon after a breast cancer diagnosis and is associated with baseline illness intrusiveness and increases in social support, spirituality, use of active-adaptive coping strategies, and mental health.

Posttraumatic growth and psychological distress in Chinese early‐stage breast cancer survivors: a longitudinal study

To describe the dynamic changes in posttraumatic growth (PTG) and psychological distress in hospitalized early-stage breast cancer (BC) survivors over a 6-month period. A longitudinal study design was adopted. The PTG inventory (PTGI) and distress management screening measure were used 3 months after diagnosis, then again at 6 and 9 months after diagnosis. For baseline data, 155 BC patients who were receiving chemotherapy were selected from four first-class tertiary hospitals in Beijing from April 2010 to March 2011 using a purposive sampling method. Of these, 120 BC patients completed the follow-up investigation. A repeated measures analysis of variance, followed by least significant difference post-hoc analysis, was used to compare PTG and psychological distress. The total score of the PTGI was 62.72 ± 14.66 in BC survivors at 3 months after diagnosis.There was a weak negative relationship between PTG and psychological distress (r = –0.282, p<0.001).PTG increased and psychological distress decreased from 3 to 9 months after diagnosis. The PTGI scores were 63.24 ± 14.21, 68.26 ± 15.29, and 70.29 ± 16.07 at 3, 6, and 9 months after diagnosis, respectively, with distress thermometer scores of 3.62 ± 1.98, 2.59 ± 2.00, and 2.51 ± 1.00, respectively. At 3 months after diagnosis, BC survivors develop PTG at a low level while they are receiving chemotherapy. PTG showed a weak negative association with psychological distress. The level of PTG shows an increasing tendency, whereas the degree of psychological distress exhibits a downward trend in the 9 months after diagnosis.

Posttraumatic growth in American and Japanese men: Comparing levels of growth and perceptions of indicators of growth.

Recent studies indicate that cross-cultural differences exist in posttraumatic growth (i.e., positive psychological changes as a result of struggling with a highly stressful life event). This study examined how the experiences and perceived indicators of posttraumatic growth varied between American and Japanese men. Based on the posttraumatic growth (PTG) theoretical model, it was hypothesized that American men would report higher PTG than Japanese men, and PTG would vary by the type of event experienced. In addition, this study tested the hypothesis that some indicators of change would be rated as more representative of growth in American men than in Japanese men. American and Japanese men completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) based on their most stressful experience from the past five years and rated how each of the items in the PTGI was indicative of personal growth by using the modified PTGI. Results indicated that American men scored higher on the total PTGI and on three out of five domains of PTG. PTGI scores also varied by the type of event experienced. In the appreciation of life domain of the PTGI, for example, those who lost a loved one reported higher growth than those who experienced injury or severe illness and those who experienced financial or academic problems. PTGI items and domains that were considered to be most indicative of growth differed between American and Japanese men. Suggestions for future research and the potential implications of attending to differences in perceived indicators of PTG are considered.

Relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth in adolescents

Objective To investigate the relationship between post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth among adolescents. Methods In total, 1123 junior middle school students sampled from the Wenchuan earthquake area were assessed in june 2011. Questionnaires included the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-IV ( Revision 1), Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children (DSRS) , the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Results The girls reported significantly higher levels of depression (girls 14.72±5.49, boys 13.08±5.83) and anxiety (girls 31.54±15.43, boys 27.03±17.09) than boys (P<0.05). The minorities reported significantly higher levels of PTG (minorities 59.97±14.06, Han 57.71±15.06), PTSD (22.05±12.12, 19.42±12.78) and anxiety (30.36±16.35, 28.01±16.39) than the Han students (P<0.05). The students whose father had higher degree of education reported lower level of depression and higher level of PTG (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the PTSD total score, avoidance, arousal, DSRS and school avoidance scores were negatively related to PTGI score (r=-0.074, -0.091, -0.075, -0.360, -0.088, P<0.05 ). Linear regression analysis showed that the DSRS score was negatively related to PTGI total score and its four sub-scores (β=-0.365, -0.332, -0.332, -0.315, 0.284, P<0.05). Conclusion Depression symptoms is negatively correlated with PTG and may be an adverse factor for post-traumatic growth in adolescents. Key words: Posttraumatic growth; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Depression; Anxiety

Reports of ‘growth’ in survivors of non‐small cell lung cancer and healthy controls: what is the value‐added by the cancer experience?

Reports of 'growth' following cancer diagnosis and treatment are common and are considered evidence for the transformative potential of the cancer experience. However, reports of growth are also common in the general population. This study sought to identify the unique, 'value-added' with regard to the nature and magnitude of growth represented by the cancer experience. Lung cancer (LC) survivors (n = 190; mean 15 months post-diagnosis) completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), reporting changes occurring 'as a result of having cancer'. Community-based, healthy controls (HC) (n = 152) completed the PTGI, reporting changes occurring 'in the past year'. Reports of growth were common in both the LC and HC groups. However, the LC group reported greater total PTGI scores (effect size (ES) = 0.39 SD) and greater growth for 3 of 5 subscales (ESs 0.34-0.48 SD). The LC group was more likely to report any degree of change for 11 of 21 PTGI items (mean odds ratio (OR) across 21 items = 1.92) and were more likely to report 'moderate' to 'very great' change for eight of 21 items (mean OR = 1.75). The LC group was more likely to report growth in the areas of social relationships and appreciation for life. In sum, the growth evidenced by LC survivors after diagnosis quantitatively and qualitatively differs from growth reported by the general population over a similar period. Estimates of the value-added by the cancer experience suggest a magnitude representing at least the lower range of clinical significance.

Behavioural changes add validity to the construct of posttraumatic growth

This study aimed to identify positive behavioural changes that people may make as a result of negotiating the aftermath of a traumatic experience, thereby extending the current cognitive model of posttraumatic growth (PTG). It was hypothesised that significant others would corroborate survivors' cognitive and behavioural reports of PTG. The sample comprised 176 participants: 88 trauma survivors and 88 significant others. University students accounted for 64%; 36% were from the broader community. Approximately one third were men. All participants completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and open-ended questions regarding behavioural changes. The PTGI scores of the survivors were corroborated by their significant others with only the Appreciation of Life factor of the PTGI differing between the 2 groups (e.g., total PTGI scores between groups explained 33% of variance). Nearly all of the survivors also reported positive changes in their behaviour; these changes were also corroborated by the significant others. Results provide validation of the PTG construct and the PTGI as an instrument of measurement. Findings may also influence therapeutic practice by pointing to the potential usefulness of corroborating others in the recovery and growth process.

Posttraumatic Growth Among Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Amputees

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is a positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. This study tested the PTG Model in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veterans following a major combat-related amputation. Specifically, the relationships among social support, rumination, length of time since amputation, and PTG among these veterans were examined. This was a descriptive correlational design using a mailed survey. Data were collected from OEF and OIF veterans with a major traumatic amputation (excluding digit-only loss). A nationwide postal survey was conducted in 2007 of veterans with a major combat-related traumatic amputation. 210 veterans registered at the Department of Veterans Affairs were sent a survey packet containing a letter of introduction, informed consent form, stamped return envelope, and four surveys: a study-specific demographic questionnaire, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Postdeployment Social Support scale, and a Rumination scale. The mean PTGI score among OEF and OIF amputees (N= 56) was 59.1 (SD= 23). Rumination showed the strongest correlation with PTG: r= .43, p= .001. There was a small positive relationship between postdeployment social support and PTG: r= .24, p= .039. No statistically significant correlation between PTG and time since amputation was found in this sample. As proposed in the PTG model, the findings of this study support the benefit of rumination or cognitive processing of the traumatic event and postdeployment social support in the process of developing PTG following a major combat-related amputation. Following a life-threatening war injury, the patient's worldview is dramatically altered or shattered. Old assumptions and belief systems are rebuilt in the acute phase, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community. The struggle in the aftermath of the traumatic event that results in personal transformation is known as PTG. Nurses contribute to a patient's physical and psychosocial adjustment by cultivating an environment in which the patient can explore and cognitively process the traumatic event and the resulting injury. Postdeployment social support in the form of emotional support (comforting gestures) or instrumental support (providing tangible goods or services) can be a means to foster PTG.

Posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in parents of childhood, adolescent and young adult patients with high-grade osteosarcoma

Posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) were surveyed in parents of childhood, adolescent and young adult patients with high-grade osteosarcoma. A questionnaire survey was performed in parents of patients with osteosarcoma (51 families). The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and posttraumatic growth inventory (PTGI) were employed for the evaluation of PTSS and PTG, respectively. The mean scores were compared with those in preceding studies employing the same scales. In addition, the correlation between the IES-R and PTGI scores was investigated in the parents. Fifty-eight subjects of 34 families (30 fathers and 28 mothers) replied to the questionnaire. The mean IES-R score in the parents was 18.5, which was higher than that in patients with osteosarcoma (9.7) in our previous study. The mean PTGI score in the parents was 44.9, which was higher than that in university students (33.9) reported by Taku et al. A positive correlation was noted between the IES-R and PTGI scores in the parents. The PTSS level tended to be higher in the parents rather than in patients with osteosarcoma. The PTG level increased as the PTSS level rose in the parents.

Post-traumatic growth in parents after a child’s admission to intensive care: maybe Nietzsche was right?

The aim of this prospective study was to establish the degree to which parents report post-traumatic growth after the intensive care treatment of their child. Prospective cross-sectional cohort study. Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). A total of 50 parents of children, admitted to PICU for >12 h. Parents provided stress ratings as their child was discharged from PICU and, 4 months later, completed postal questionnaires rating their anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth. As much as 44 parents (88%) indicated on the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) [1] that they had experienced a positive change to a great degree as a result of their experiences in PICU. Parents of children who were ventilated (P = 0.024) reported statistically higher post-traumatic growth as did parents of older children (P = 0.032). PTGI scores were positively correlated with post-traumatic stress scores at 4 months (P = 0.021), but on closer inspection this relationship was found to be curvilinear. Post-traumatic growth emerged as a salient concept for this population. It was more strongly associated with moderate levels of post-traumatic stress, than high or low levels.

Posttraumatic Growth in Former Vietnam Prisoners of War

This study examined posttraumatic growth in 30 male veterans captured and held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Participants were assessed with structured diagnostic interviews administered by trained clinicians as well as with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and other questionnaires measuring dispositional optimism, religious coping, social supports, and purpose in life. Mean age (standard deviation-SD) of participants was 66.7 (6.0) years. Mean total PTGI score (SD) was 66.3 (17.5), indicating a moderate degree of posttraumatic growth. The most strongly endorsed items corresponded to the Appreciation of Life and Personal Strength factors. The group as a whole was optimistic and reported moderate use of positive religious coping. Posttraumatic growth did not significantly differ in repatriates with and without psychopathology, but it was significantly positively correlated with dispositional optimism. In the final regression model, length of captivity and optimism were significant predictors of posttraumatic growth. Our findings confirm that it is possible to achieve long-lasting personal growth even in the face of prolonged extreme adversity. Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate whether pre-existing traits such as optimism can predict growth after trauma.

Posttraumatic growth in bereaved parents

The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Revised Grief Experience Inventory, and World Assumptions Scale were administered to 111 bereaved parents. The PTGI scores indicate that many bereaved parents report personal growth in domains outlined by L.G. Calhoun and R. G. Tedeschi (2001). Grief intensity was inversely correlated with growth scores. Self-worth was a strong predictor of growth scores, whereas assumptions about the benevolence and meaningfulness of the world were not correlated with growth.

Traumatic Distress and Positive Changes in Advanced Cancer Patients

This study investigated the traumatic distress and posttraumatic growth in 58 advanced cancer patients receiving palliative treatment in a Pain Relief and Palliative Care Unit. The patients completed the Greek version of the Impact of Events Scale-Revised and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Statistically significant associations were found among Impact of Events Scale-Revised-Greek "Relating to Others" (r = 0.311, P = .017), "New Possibilities" ( r = 0.248, P = .050), and "Appreciation of Life" ( r = 0.419, P = .001), and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory scores (r = 0.323, P = .013). Similarly, "Appreciation of Life" correlated significantly with "Avoidance" (r = 0.318, P = .015), "Intrusion" (r = 0.365, P = .005), and "Hyperarousal" (r = 0.398, P = .002). Statistically significant associations were also found between "Relating to Others" and "Intrusion" (r = 0.414, P = .001). The study concluded that in advanced cancer patients, the higher the impact event, the more improvement in their relationships with others, enhanced life appreciation, and more positive consequences after trauma.

The assessment and validity of stress-related growth in a community-based sample.

In an investigation of the assessment and construct validity of stress-related growth, community-dwelling women (N = 163) wrote essays about the impact of a stressful life event that had occurred in the previous few years and completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Independent ratings of growth in the essays were positively correlated with PTGI scores, suggesting that endorsement of growth on questionnaires can be substantiated by personal accounts. There was no relation between reports of growth on the PTGI and socially desirable responding or negative mood. Higher PTGI scores were associated with greater positive mood and greater depth of processing in the essays. These findings support the validity of stress-related growth as a construct and its assessment via questionnaire.