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The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma

Journal of Traumatic Stress volume 9, pages 455–471 (1996)Cite this article

Abstract

The development of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, an instrument for assessing positive outcomes reported by persons who have experienced traumatic events, is described. This 21-item scale includes factors of New Possibilities, Relating to Others, Personal Strength, Spiritual Change, and Appreciation of Life. Women tend to report more benefits than do men, and persons who have experienced traumatic events report more positive change than do persons who have not experienced extraordinary events. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory is modestly related to optimism and extraversion. The scale appears to have utility in determining how successful individuals, coping with the aftermath of trauma, are in reconstructing or strengthening their perceptions of self, others, and the meaning of events.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 28223, Charlotte, North Carolina

    Richard G. Tedeschi & Lawrence G. Calhoun

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  1. Richard G. Tedeschi
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  2. Lawrence G. Calhoun
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Tedeschi, R.G., Calhoun, L.G. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. J Trauma Stress 9, 455–471 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02103658

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02103658

Key words

  • perceived benefits
  • trauma
  • growth
  • coping