Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory
(PTGI)
BY
JEFFREY KHONGSNI
(DU2021MSC0046)
Under the Guidance of
Dr. Joydeep Das
ASSAM DONBOSCO UNIVERSITY
A PRACTICUM
SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING,
INPARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEGREE OF
MSc. COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOLOGY
2021-2022
CONTENTS
AIM
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. BASIC CONCEPTS
1.2. TEST DESCRIPTION
1.3. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY
1.4. SCORING STRUCTURE
2. METHODOLOGY
2.1. PRELIMINARIES
2.2. MATERIALS USED
2.3. PROCEDURE
2.4. TEST ADMINISTRATION
2.4.1. INSTRUCTION
2.4.2. OBSERVATION
2.4.3. SCORING OF THE TEST
2.4.4. INTERPRETATION
2.4.5. SUMMARY
2.4.6. IMPRESSION
2.5. REFERENCES
AIM: To assess post-trauma growth and self-improvement a person undergoes.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. What is Post-Traumatic Growth?
Post-traumatic growth is a psychological transformation that follows a stressful
encounter. It is a way of finding the purpose of pain and looking beyond the struggle. Richard G.
Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun coined the term ‘post-traumatic growth’ in the mid-90s at the
University of Carolina. According to them, people who undergo post-traumatic growth flourish
in life with a greater appreciation and more resilience. They define Post-traumatic growth as a
positive psychological change in the wake of struggling with highly challenging life
circumstances (Tedeschi and Calhoun, 2004).
Post-traumatic growth involves life-altering and favorable psychological changes that
can potentially change the way we perceive the world. It comes with a new understanding of
life, relationships, money, success, and health. It goes beyond acknowledgment or acceptance
and entwines personal strength and self-dependence; and while the pain may still be hurting,
we get a new way of redirecting the pain to something useful for us. The positive
transformation of Post-traumatic growth reflects in one or more of the following five areas:
a. Embracing new opportunities – both at the personal and the professional fronts.
b. Improved personal relationships and increased pleasure derived from being around people
we love.
c. A heightened sense of gratitude toward life altogether.
d. Greater spiritual connection.
e. Increased emotional strength and resilience.
Not everyone who undergoes trauma experience post-traumatic growth. Individual
responses and emotional perception of the damaged guide the way he adapts and learns from
it in the long run. Some studies have shown that almost 90% of trauma victims have reported to
experience at least one aspect of post-traumatic growth after the stressful encounter (Calhoun
& Tedeschi, 1990).
1.2. The Outcome Theory
Post-traumatic growth is also called by other names such as – finding benefits, stress-
related growth, thriving, adversarial growth, and positive psychological changes (Affleck &
Tennen, 1996; O’Leary, Alday, & Ickovics, 1998; Park, Cohen, & Murch, 1996; Yalom &
Lieberman, 1991).
There are diverse theoretical orientations of the concept of Post-traumatic growth,
provided by researchers of different schools of Psychology. What is common in all the literature
reviews related to PTG is the fact that it is an outcome of a struggle and involves futuristic
coping mechanisms (Schaefer & Moos, 1992, 1998; Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1995, 2004).
General models of psychological and mindset shift view change as a consequence of
attempts to cope with life and stress (Janoff-Bulman, 1992). Some theorists state that stress is
not necessarily a negative aspect for us. Stress does have an inevitable component of
transformation and personal growth (Aldwin, 2009). The outcome theory of Post-Traumatic
Growth is built around this concept. The theory asserts that Post-traumatic growth is the
outcome of coping and reflects human strength and resilience.
There are two types of coping, as the Outcome Theory states – Homeostatic Coping and
Transformational Coping. Homeostatic coping is restorative. It returns us to our healthy
functioning without guaranteeing personal development.
Transformational coping, on the other hand, comes with cognitive changes within our
persona. When transformational coping is negative, one is likely to succumb to stress and
revert to depression and worry. However, if the transformational coping is positive, it invites a
surge of survival instincts, a higher level of recovery, and increased inner strength to sail
through the adversity (Schaefer & Moos, 1992).
The outcome theory suggests that the nature of coping we engage in decides what
outcome we invite to our lives. The basic idea of the Outcome Theory is to explain why PTG is a
consequence and not a cause, and how we can consciously embrace the positive
transformation to thrive (O’Leary & Ickovics, 1995).
1.3. The Model of Life Crisis and Personal Growth
The Model of Life Crisis and Growth outlines the importance of environmental and
personal factors in bringing about the positive outcome of stress (Schaefer and Moos, 1992).
The theory suggests that environmental factors, to a large extent, determine the aftermath of
worry and hazards. A person who has a caring circle is more likely to undergo positive Post-
traumatic growth than someone who has demoralizing people around. Proponents of this
theory emphasize the fact that what happens to us is often beyond our control, but who we
choose to be with during times of stress, may make all the difference in life.
Personal factors that contribute to positive Post-traumatic growth include: Self-efficacy,
Emotional regulation, Self-expression, Confidence, Radical self-acceptance, Health, Past
experience
The environmental factors desirable for Post-traumatic growth are: Family, Personal
relationships, Friends, Colleagues, Supervisors, Teachers or guides, Community,
Financial resources, Neighborhood
Together with the personal, external, and situational factors, an individual collects the
strength to look at the bigger picture and bounce back after setbacks.
1.2. TEST DESCRIPTION
Tedeschi and Calhoun (1996) developed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) to
assess post-trauma growth and self-improvement a person undergoes. A 21-item scale built on
the five-factor model of Tedeschi, this inventory is one of the most valid and reliable resources
for evaluating personal growth that follows a stressful encounter.
The statements included in the inventory are related to the following five factors: Personal
Strength, New Possibilities, Improved Relationships, Spiritual Growth, Appreciation for Life
Each of the 21 items falls under one of the five factors and are scored accordingly. A
summation of the scores indicates the level of post-traumatic growth. The advantage of this
scale is that the categorization of scores according to the five factors are suggestive of which
area of self-development is predominant in us and which area might be a little behind.
For example, a high total score implies that the person has undergone a positive
transformation. But a closer look at the scores of each section would provide a more in-depth
insight into what has changed significantly and what aspects of the self may still need some
improvement.
The PTGI was initially developed to measure favorable outcomes of a stressful life event.
But with time, it became more popular as a test that provides direction to the participants
about their future actions and suggests scope for selfimprovement (Cann, Calhoun, Tedeschi, &
Solomon, 2010).
1.3. SCORING STRUCTURE
The PTGI consists of 21 statements, each coming under one of the five categories mentioned by
Tedeschi and Calhoun in their initial proposition.
Participants indicate their scores on a 6-point scale scores on a 6-point scale where:
0 implies – I did not experience this as a result of my crisis.
1 implies – I experienced this change to a very small degree as a result of my crisis.
2 implies – I experienced this change to a small degree as a result of my crisis.
3 implies – I experienced this change to a moderate degree as a result of my crisis.
4 implies – I experienced this change to a great degree as a result of my crisis.
5 implies – I experienced this change to a very great degree as a result of my crisis.
2. METHODOLOGY
2.1. PRELIMINARIES
Subject’s Name: Vincent
Age: He is a 18 years old student.
Educational Qualification: Studying in the seminary. He has completed his SSLC.
Date: The test was conducted on 09 May 2022.
BACKGROUND:
Vincent is an 18 years old male from Meghalaya who had finished his SSLC exam. He has
3 elder sisters, 4 elder brothers and 3 younger brothers. Vincent is in the 8 th position among the
11 children in the family. His father is a school teacher and his mother is a farmer. Among the
children, only the eldest son got married and the rest of the children are still studying in
colleges and schools. He grew up as a health boy.
Vincent comes from a happy family. He was born naturally at home. When Vincent was
just one year old his mother delivered another son and it was difficult for the mother to
breastfeed both of them at a time. Vincent was a pale and thin boy among the children. When
he was 6 years old, he was taken to the city for education and remained in the city for 6 years.
Vincent finished his class five from the city and went back to his neighbouring village to
complete his high school till he completed his SSLC exams.
Vincent grew up in good relationship with his siblings in the family. He loved most his 4 th
elder brother. At the age of 12, Vincent was admitted to hospital because of stomach ache and
remained in the hospital for four days. Vincent’s parents and the children are healthy and
strong. There is no hereditary sickness in the family. Vincent has got many friends both male
and females. He never felt lonely at home because he always has friends.
In the year 2021, Vincent passed his SSLC examination with a First Division. As soon as
he passed SSLC, at the age of 17 years old, he joined the seminary in Guwahati. He lives with
other boys who have come from different parts of Northeast. He is adapting himself with the
food, climate, and the conditions of the place. He is able to mix up within the group and keep
moving in life. Vincent was struggling in his studies in the seminary. He picked up gradually as
the days passed. Since he comes from village background, he is a shy type of person.
In the religious community where he lives, the subject has to follow strict time table,
and strict discipline and punctuality. He is a kind and gentle person who always smiles and
cheerful. He shows no ill temper or complaint about anything, but does his daily duties well.
Vincent is kind and gentle in his dealing with his companions too. He is well accepted in the
group and in the community. He does his duties well without any complain.
2.2. MATERIALS USED
(a). Post Traumatic Growth Inventory
(b). Stationary items like pen, pencil and eraser
(c). Manual of the test
2.3. PROCEDURE
Rapport: The rapport building was easy and the subject was feeling comfortable. He willingly
accepted to be the test subject for the test. He seated on the chair and felt relaxed.
Mental Status Examination:
Appearance: The subject was pleasant and showed no sign of anxiousness. The rapport
was going on smoothly with the subject. He was willing to listen and having an approachable
attitude. He was dressing well for the test. He did not ask many questions and proceeded with
the task.
General Behavior: His level of consciousness is normal. His appearance and general
behavior is pleasant. He was able to have eye contact while speaking.
Cognition: He is able to process information correctly when the instruction was given
and when he had to answer the questionnaire.
Speech: The subject speaks softly and not in haste.
Emotion: The subject was calm and not anxious.
Thinking Process: He was able to think normally.
2.4. TEST ADMINISTRATION
2.4.1. INSTRUCTION
The subject will be instructed as follows: “I shall give you a questionnaire which contains
21 items. Each item has six responses. Please go through each item carefully and understand it
meaning. After that you have to choose among the six responses the best one which you feel it
is appropriate for you. After choosing one response among the six responses, please put a tick
mark in the box provided at each response. Please write your name and mention the date in
the given space. This test has no time limit and you can take as much time as you want to
answer all the items”.
2.4.2. OBSERVATION
The subject showed high level of interest and was motivated to do the test. He was calm and
composed while listening to the instruction. No bizarre behaviors were observed when the
instruction was given. He was well dress and pleasant for the test. Throughout the time when
the instruction was given, he was able to maintain eye contacts and showed no sign of
restlessness or anxiety.
Precautions:
1. It was ensured that the subject was comfortable, interested and had well understood
the instruction.
2. The test did not have any time limit but it was ensured that it was done as soon as
possible.
3. It was ensured that all the external factors like proper lighting, proper ventilation was
maintained and there were no unnecessary disturbances or noises.
4. The test was done under supervision of an expertise.
5. The scoring and interpretation was done carefully.
2.4.3. SCORING OF THE TEST
The Post Traumatic Growth Inventory is scored by adding all the responses. Individual
factors are scored by adding responses to items on each factor. Factors are indicated by the
Roman numerals after each item below. Items to which factors belong are not listed on the
form administered to clients.
Table 1
Possible Area of Growth and Change Score
1 I change my priorities about what is important in life 3
2 I have a greater appreciation for the value of my own life. 4
3 I developed new interests. 4
4 I have a greater feeling of self-reliance. 3
5 I have a better understanding of spiritual matters. 5
6 I more clearly see that I can count on people in time of text. 3
7 I established a new path for my life. 4
8 I have a greater sense of closeness with others. 2
9 I am more willing to express my emotions. 4
10 I know better that I can handl difficulties. 4
11 I am able to do better things with my life. 1
12 I am better able to accept the way things work out. 3
13 I can better appreciate each day. 2
14 New opportunities are available which wouldn’t have been otherwise. 3
15 I have more compassion for others. 4
16 I have more effort in my relationships. 1
17 I put more likely to try to change things which need changing. 4
18 I have a stronger religious faith. 5
19 I discovered that I’m stronger than I thought I was. 1
20 I learned a great deal about how wonderful people are. 2
21 I better accept needing others. 3
TOTAL 65
Table 2
PTGI FACTORS AREA ITEMS SCORES
Factor I Relating to Others 3,8,9,15,16,20,21 19
Factor II New Possibilities 3,7,11,14,17 16
Factor III Personal Strength 4,10,12,19 11
Factor IV Spiritual Change 5,18 10
Factor V Appreciation of Life 1,2,13 9
2.4.4. INTERPRETATION
Factor I: Relating to others- Out of the maximum score of 35 points from the 7 items, the
subject scored 19 points; which is more than the half (54%). This shows that the subject has a
strong relationship with others.
Factor II: New Possibilities- Out of the maximum score of 25 points from the 5 items, the
subject scored 16 points; which is more than the half (64%). This shows that the subject seeks
new possibilities.
Factor III: Personal Strength- Out of the maximum score of 20 points from the 4 items, the
subject scored 11 point; which is more than the half (55%). This shows that the subject has
good personal strength.
Factor IV: Spiritual Change: Out of the maximum score of 10 points from the 2 items, the
subject scored 10; which is 100 percent score in spiritual change. This shows that the subject
has a strongest faith.
Factor V: Appreciation of Life- Out of the maximum score of 15 points from the 3 items, the
subject scored 9 points; which is more than half (60%). This shows that the subject has greater
appreciation of life.
2.4.5. SUMMARY
The subject is a person of strong faith and strong mental strength. He has come from a
supportive and loving family where family ties are strong. In the seminary, he was feeling lonely
and struggles with the day to day disciplines and punctuality, but he manages himself and
copes up with the demands of the religious life. Two weeks before the test was conducted, the
subject faced anxiety because he was not able to perform well in the examination. But before
going home for holidays he was happy because he passed the examination. After 15 days of his
holidays, he came back to the seminary with new energy and enthusiasm.
The test was conducted after the subject went for holidays. During the test he was
composed and cheerful having no signs of maladaptive behaviors. No sign of restlessness and
anxiety were seen when the instruction was given. His mental status examination shows his
thought processes, emotions, cognition, and speech are normal.
From the test result the subject scored a decent high score. Out of the total score of 105
of all the 21 items, the subject has scored 65; which is a high score of 61.9%. In all the PTGI
Factors, the subject has scored high. In the “Relating to other”, the subject has scored 19 (54%).
In the “New Possibilities”, the subject has scored 16 (64%). In the “Personal Strength”, the
subject has scored 11 (55%). In the “Spiritual Change”, the subject has scored 100%. In the
“Appreciation of Life”, the subject has scored 9 (60%).
2.4.6. IMPRESSION
The overall background, Mental State Examination, the observation and the scale finding
indicate that the subject seems able to deal with his stressful situation in a positive way. He
channels out his stressful situation to something creative and fruitful like strong faith, relating
others, appreciation of life, and new possibilities.
2.5. REFERENCES
1. [Link]. 2022. “What is Post-Traumatic Growth? (+ Inventory)”. [online]
Available at: <[Link] [Accessed 15 May
2022].
2. “Posttraumatic Growth Inventory”, Adapted from Roy Chowdhury, M. from Positive
Psychology .com and Tedeschi (2020), [Link] sites/default/files/ Wendy
Fraser_Oct28_ [Link]
3. Calhoun, L. G. & Tedeschi, R. G. (2004), “The foundations of posttraumatic growth: New
considerations”. Psychological Inquiry. 15, 93-102. [Link]
content/uploads /sites/9/ 2013/01/[Link]
4. Calhoun, L. G. & Tedeschi, R. G. [Link]. 2022. The Posttraumatic Growth
Inventory: Measuring the Positive Legacy of Trauma, [online] Available at:
<[Link]
[Link]> [Accessed 15 May 2022].
