Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a Veteran Sample with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

The objective of this study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) to determine if the factor structure is the same for a veteran sample with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; N = 221) as compared to previous studies that have used more heterogeneous samples of subjects. Analyses were conducted in order to examine the best model fit between three broad dimensional factors, a five-factor structure, or a factor structure consisting of one higher-order “general” factor with five “lower-order” factors. Results of the CFA revealed adequate fits for the five-factor and five-factor higher-order models. The findings of this study support the use of the PTGI total and factor scores when interpreting results in veteran samples with PTSD.

Acknowledgments

This article is the result of work supported with resources and the use of facilities at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. The contents of the article do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States government.

Notes

*p < .001.

The term “veteran” in this study refers to individuals who have served in the active military, naval, or air service who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable and who qualified for VA health care benefits. “Veteran” may also refer to some reservists and National Guard members who qualify for VA health care benefits because they were called to active duty by a federal order and completed the full period of time they were called to active duty (see Department of Veterans Affairs, 2011, p. 1). Some reservists and National Guard members were also included in this study.

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Glen A. Palmer

Glen A. Palmer is a clinical neuropsychologist and research program coordinator at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. His research interests include PTSD and neuropsychological assessment.

Joseph J. Graca

Joseph J. Graca is a clinical psychologist in the Mental Health Service Line at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. His research interests include therapy and assessment for veterans with PTSD.

Kylene E. Occhietti

Kylene E. Occhietti is a psychology technician in the Mental Health Service Line at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System. Research interests include assessment and treatment of veterans with PTSD.