Personal Growth

Personal growth is an aspect of positive psychology, encompassing how one changes and develops across time in a positive direction. Its theoretical roots are grounded in the writings of well-known psychologists, such as Gordon Allport and Carl Rogers. Current research focuses on various aspects of personal growth, such as its role as a part of psychological well-being, antecedents of personal growth, and active and intentional growth processes. The G&M lab has focused most on the last of these, which is operationalized as personal growth initiative. We have conducted multiple studies examining personal growth initiative in diverse populations, such as international students and therapy clients, with a strong focus on college student personal and vocational development. Most recently, we have begun to further the conceptualization of personal growth in general as a multifaceted construct.

International Students

International students are a valuable and growing segment of the college population. Consequently, there is much literature examining international students’ adjustment, academic achievement, and psychological distress. Within this literature base, there is a stronger focus on the barriers and problems that international students have compared with their opportunities and strengths. The G&M lab has focused on better integrating positive psychology, particularly personal strengths and well-being as it relates to adjustment and acculturation, into the international student literature. More recently, we have started to focus on how combinations of home and host countries might impact these areas.

Data Collection Methods

Self-report surveys are increasingly being moved from paper-and-pencil to computerized formats. As a result, there is a large literature base examining how survey results differ across these conditions. However, there are many methodological and statistical issues present in much of this literature. The G&M lab has promoted the use of correct methodological and statistical procedures for assessing the equivalence of these conditions. We have conducted various studies examining aspects of equivalence across data collection devices, populations, and formats. Most recently, we have moved toward examining characteristics of responses in online convenience samples.