Personal Growth Initiative and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis |
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Authors: | Ingrid K. Weigold Arne Weigold Elizabeth J. Russell Ginelle L. Wolfe Jusiah L. Prowell Caitlin A. Martin-Wagar |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology, University of Akron;2. Department of Psychology, Kent State University at Geauga;3. Department of Psychology, Winona State University |
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Abstract: | Personal growth initiative (PGI) is an individual's active and intentional desire to grow in personally important areas. In the past 20 years, a body of literature has emerged examining PGI's relationship to mental health. We conducted the first meta-analyses to synthesize this literature. Two meta-analyses examined the relationship between PGI total scores and distress (k = 22) and wellness (k = 37). Both average effect sizes were significant. We also examined the potential impact of nine moderators. The type of outcome assessed was a significant moderator for PGI and distress, and the PGI measure used was a significant moderator for PGI and wellness, accounting for 61% and 15% of the overall variance, respectively. Meta-analyses examining the relationship between the four PGI subscales (Readiness for Change, Planfulness, Using Resources, and Intentional Behavior) and distress (k = 4) and wellness (k = 7) yielded similar results to the total score analyses. |
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Keywords: | personal growth initiative mental health distress wellness meta-analysis |
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