Psychometric properties, stability, and predictive validity of the Korean version of the Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale (PG-13-K): A longitudinal study among bereaved Koreans

Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of the Revised Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale for Bereaved Adults

This study aims to validate the Korean version of the Revised Prolonged Grief Disorder scale (PG-13-R-K) by exploring the psychometric properties of the revised Prolonged Grief Disorder scale in bereaved South Korean adults. A total of 694 bereaved individuals who had experienced the loss of a close person for a duration ranging from 12 to 24 months were included in this study and randomly divided into two separate datasets to conduct factor analyses. The results of both EFA and CFA revealed a single-factor structure for the PG-13-R-K. Moreover, the results of reliability and validity tests showed adequate internal consistency and concurrent validity. These findings suggest that the PG-13-R-K is a reliable and valid tool for assessing PGD symptoms among bereaved Korean adults. The limitations and implications of this study are thoroughly examined and discussed.

Psychometric Properties of the Revised Version of the Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale (PG-13-R): A Methodological Study in the Iranian Population

Prolonged grief disorder has recently been officially introduced as a new mental disorder. This study aimed to validate the Persian version of the revised Prolonged Grief Scale (PG-13-R). This study was conducted among the general population in Shahroud, Iran, during 2023. Employing face and content validity, along with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA), the study validates the PG-13-R. Average variance extracted value showed an acceptable convergent validity. The EFA reveals a singular factor structure explaining 60.541% of the variance in prolonged grief disorder, and the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrates an excellent model fit. Internal consistency, evaluated through Cronbach's alpha and MacDonald's omega, highlights the scale's reliability. The Persian version of PG-13-R had acceptable composite reliability. Stability is confirmed by an intra-class correlation coefficient. In conclusion, the Persian PG-13-R displays satisfactory validity and reliability to assessing prolonged grief symptoms in the Iranian population.

Prolonged Grief Symptoms among Suicide-Loss Survivors: The Contribution of Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Characteristics

BACKGROUND

Suicide-loss survivors (SLSs) are a population with unique characteristics that place them at increased risk for developing grief complications and painful feelings of guilt that may impact their supportive social environment. However, no studies to date have examined the role of intrapersonal and interpersonal variables that may contribute to prolonged grief symptoms (PGS) as outlined by the new DSM-5 criteria. The present study aimed to extend knowledge regarding the role of interpersonal variables, such as perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and self-disclosure, in determining the impact of guilt on the development of PGS among SLSs.

METHOD

This study is part of a longitudinal study, though, in this study, we used a cross-sectional examination of the recently completed fourth measurement. Study participants included 152 SLSs aged 22 to 76 who completed questionnaires measuring guilt, depression, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, self-disclosure, and PGS using the Prolonged Grief-Revised Inventory. Participants' demographics and loss-related characteristics, such as time since suicide and participant's age at the time of suicide, were examined.

RESULTS

Confirming the hypotheses, intrapersonal variables (i.e., guilt and depression), as well as interpersonal variables (i.e., perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and self-disclosure), contributed significantly to PGS beyond sociodemographic and loss-related factors. Perceived burdensomeness significantly moderated the contribution of guilt to PGS: for participants with high burdensomeness levels, guilt contributed to PGS more strongly than for participants with low burdensomeness.

CONCLUSION

Guilt is an important contributor to PGS among SLSs, and perceived burdensomeness plays a critical role in moderating this contribution. In light of these findings, it can be suggested that SLSs with high levels of guilt should receive special attention and may benefit from therapeutic interventions focusing on reducing maladaptive cognitions that elicit intense guilt or perceived burden.