Construct Validity of the Theory of Grief Recovery (TOGR): A New Paradigm Toward Our Understanding of Grief and Loss

ABSTRACT

Background: Many grief-based Health Education programs have not been theoretically examined to show how and why beneficial effects have been reported with their use and implementation. Purpose: We used a construct validity of the treatment approach to test the implicit theoretical structure of the theory of grief recovery (TOGR) and evaluate the extent of influence and estimated effect size that intervention exposure had on targeted variables of grief and grief recovery. Methods: Using a repeated measures design, the previously validated Grief Recovery Method® Instrument (GRM-I) was used to collect data from 3 observations where nonrandomized participants served as their own controls. Results: The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant increases in participants’ scores on targeted variables between observations. Wilks’ lambda showed an overall significant effect. Test–retest reliability of the GRM-I was acceptable. Discussion: A construct validity approach better equipped researchers to test theoretical assumptions of the TOGR-based intervention to produce desired changes in targeted variables. Translation to Health Education Practice: The importance of Health Education interventions to influence variables supportive of behavioral change are well documented. The present study showed that the theoretical structure of the TOGR-based intervention held and had the intended influence on variables of grief and grief recovery.

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from Kent State University. Restrictions apply to the availability of these data, which were used under license for this study. Data are available from the lead researcher, Dr. Rachael D. Nolan, at [email protected] with the permission of Kent State University.

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and her ethical obligation as a researcher, Dr. Rachael D. Nolan is reporting that she is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®, who serves as a research consultant to The Grief Recovery Method®. Dr. Nolan has received an honorarium to present the findings of this research at the International Grief Recovery Conference^TM (2018) sponsored by The Grief Recovery Institute®, a company that may be affected by the research reported in this article. Dr. Nolan has disclosed these interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and she has in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts that may arise from this involvement with the organization.