ABSTRACT
Despite literally thousands of studies finding various forms of PTG across the globe, a small but vocal minority of researchers have questioned the validity of reports of PTG. Qualitative methods have provided rich accounts of people’s growth and the journeys embarked on to achieve real transformative change. Quantitative methods have provided construct and predictive validity evidence that the PTGI measures actual change, including change corroborated by significant others. However, in this chapter we discuss the assertions of those who suggest PTG is sometimes illusionary and that perceptions of PTG do not equate to real or authentic PTG. We examine some of the methods used by these researchers in order to critically analyze the conclusions they have reached.
