This study suggests that the German PTGDI-X-SF is a suitable questionnaire to record positive (growth) and negative changes (depreciation) people report after struggling with traumatic events.
After experiencing trauma, people often report both negative and positive changes, which can be operationally defined as posttraumatic growth (PTG) and posttraumatic depreciation (PTD). However, there is no brief measure for assessing both posttraumatic changes simultaneously.
Objective
This study describes the short form of the expanded version of the Posttraumatic Growth and Depreciation Inventory (PTGDI-X-SF) among German Adults.
Method
Using a sample of 253 German adults, the dimensionality of the PTGDI-X-SF was examined by confirmatory factor analyses. Internal consistencies were determined. The relation of PTG and PTD was investigated. Regression analyses explored the relationships to established predictors as previously found for the full-scale version of the PTGDI-X. Results: Findings indicate a 5-factor structure for the PTGDI-X-SF equivalent to the PTGDI-X as well as high reliability for PTG (α = .88) and PTD (α = .88). Participants reported more PTG (M = 2.53, SD = 1.20) than PTD (M = 1.41, SD = 1.16). PTG and PTD were weakly associated (r = −.148, p = .018). PTG was positively related to disruption of core beliefs (β = .25, p < .001) and deliberate rumination directly after the trauma (β = .38, p < .001). PTD was positively associated with recent rumination irrespective of whether it was intrusive (β = .21, p < .05) or deliberate (β = .33, p < .01).
Conclusions
Overall, results support the applicability of the PTGDI-X-SF as a valid and efficient measure to assess PTG and PTD.
Read the Article “A Short Form of the Posttraumatic Growth and Posttraumatic Depreciation Inventory – Expanded (PTGDI-X-SF) Among German Adults” https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/tra0001378
