Exploring patterns of personal growth initiative and posttraumatic stress: A latent profile analysis.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the inconsistent relationship found between personal growth initiative (PGI) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) by exploring potential subgroups. In addition, after identifying the subgroups, potential predictors of these subgroups were examined.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 534 undergraduate students who experienced a potentially traumatic event (PTE). Data collection occurred from March 2013 to December 2014.

METHODS

Because this was a preliminary study, archival data was used. Participants consisted of students who experienced a PTE within the past three years.

RESULTS

Latent profile analysis indicated a five-class model as the best-fitting model. Direct exposure and intentionality of the event were significant predictors of class membership; length of time since event and gender did not predict class membership.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provides a potential explanation of the inconsistent results between PGI and PTSS and also highlights the importance of acknowledging subgroups when utilizing PGI after a PTE.