The Development of a Psychometric Measure of Post Traumatic Growth Following a Physical Illness

Abstract

Background:The distinct impact of physical trauma is currently not considered in any measures of post traumatic growth (PTG). The main aims of this study were to develop a measure of PTG following physical trauma; assess dimensionality and psychometric properties using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Methods:Men at least 1yr post prostate cancer treatment were recruited via clinics, online and local support groups (n = 452). The physical PTG questionnaire items were distributed to participants. Participants were randomly split into two independent samples: Data Set A (n = 226) and Data Set B (n = 226) for EFA and CFA respectively. Findings:Two factors emerged following EFA of Data Set A:Health Autonomy and Health Awareness. CFA was conducted on a 2nd sample (Data Set B). These factors were deemed a good fit: ?2 (164) 284.13, p< .0005; Q= 1.73; RMSEA= .057 (90% CI: .05-.07);CFI= .95 and AIC: 376.13. This supports our initial qualitative findings on the unique role of physical trauma in PTG. Discussion:This novel measure of physical PTG addresses major limitations in current PTG measures and facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of adjustment and survivorship.