Breast cancer and personal and relational growth: Psychometric characteristics of the Portuguese version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a sample of Portuguese women

There is a growing body of research suggesting that the exposure to adverse situations, which can induce maladaptative stress reactions, may also be a challenge to human development, encouraging the perception of positive psychological changes in the personal, relational and spiritual domains. These changes have been described as "posttraumatic growth". In this article the study of the psychometric characteristics of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) in a sample of Portuguese women with a personal history of breast cancer is described. This inventory assesses the individual's perception of positive life changes which occur as a result of struggling with highly challenging events. Psychometric analyses were performed on a sample composed of 202 women diagnosed with breast cancer. A total of 136 women from the general population was used as a reference group. The analyses included the item structure factor, the examination of the internal consistency and additional studies of the construct validity. The results are indicative of a four factor structure, assessing Perception of Personal Resources and Abilities, New Possibilities and Life Appreciation, Strengthening of Social Relationships and Spiritual Development. PTGI is shown to be a reliable and valid measure, its use being recommended in clinical and research settings.