ABSTRACT
Quantitative research has been primarily used to test hypotheses about the relationship between relevant factors and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Experimental designs are becoming more common to unpack the mechanisms involved in PTG. In this chapter, we discuss various ideal research strategies to examine several issues related to PTG. For instance, we discuss questions about the retrospective recall of PTG. We then answer these questions from multiple perspectives, and point out that longitudinal research designs have their own challenges, including the phenomenon of response shift. Also, because PTG experiences involve changes in values, priorities, and life principles, it is possible that the meaning of these constructs, rather than their amount, changes. This chapter concludes with the reminder that we must not undersell the value of practiced-based evidence.
