Although it is a similar concept, resilience is about rebounding to a previous level of functioning before a traumatic event. Posttraumatic growth, on the other hand, goes beyond that in the sense that one finds actual benefits from the challenges. Of course, a single traumatic event may result in benefits in some areas and detriments in others.

Posttraumatic Growth Inventory

The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) can help to identify areas of improvement that have resulted from highly challenging or traumatic events in your life. Thinking about and discussing these areas of growth can substantiate your feelings of strength and ability to cope with life's demands.

Tedeschi and Calhoun published this inventory in 1996 using a 21-item scale built on the five-factor model of Tedeschi. It 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 is scored accordingly. A summation of the scores indicates which area of self-development is predominant in us and which area might be behind.

Take the survey below by clicking on one of the buttons for each statement where

• 0 implies I experienced no change 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

#	Statement	0	1	2	3	4	5
1	I changed my priorities about what is important in life
2	I have a greater appreciation for the value of my own life
3	I developed new interests
4	I have a greater feeling of self-reliance
5	I have a better understanding of spiritual matters
6	I more clearly see that I can count on people in times of trouble
7	I established a new path for my life
8	I have a greater sense of closeness with others
9	I am more willing to express my emotions
10	I know better that I can handle difficulties
11	I am able to do better things with my life
12	I am better able to accept the way things work out
13	I can better appreciate each day
14	I have new opportunities that were not available before
15	I have more compassion for others
16	I put more effort into my relationships
17	I am more likely to try to change things that need changing
18	I have a stronger religious faith
19	I discovered that I'm stronger than I thought I was
20	I learned a great deal about how wonderful people are
21	I better accept needing others

Category	Description	Score (0-100)
Personal Strength	Increased resilience, self-reliance, confidence, humility, deepened meaningful narrative, more authentic
New Possibilities	New interests, new perspectives, adaptability, openness to new ways of living and working
Improved Relationships	Increased sense of belonging, increased emotional vulnerability, loving, empathetic, supportive, stronger bonds
Spiritual Growth	Deeper developed and meaningful beliefs and philosophies of life, deeper level of awareness, deeper faith, clearer purpose
Appreciation for Life	Increased gratitude, altruism, clear sense of priorities, appreciation for what's good

Reflection Questions

To further substantiate your feeling of growth, ask yourself the following questions:

• What areas have I experienced growth? What impact is that having on me?
• What areas do I score moderate or low? What is contributing to my experience?
• What do I want to celebrate?
• What is one area I would like to make some adjustments so I can improve myself?

Sources

Calhoun, L. G. & Tedeschi, R. G. (2004). The foundations of posttraumatic growth: New considerations. Psychological Inquiry. 15, 93-102.
PositivePsychology.com - Posttraumatic Growth (2021)
Tedeschi, R. G. & Calhoun, L G. (1996). The posttraumatic growth inventory: Measuring the positive legacy of trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress. 9, 455-471.
Tedeschi, R. G. (2020). Growth after trauma: Five steps for coming out of a crisis stronger. Harvard Business Review. July-August