The Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale 15 Item Self-Report Version (IGRS-15s): Exploring the Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties in a Sample of American Post 9/11 Active-Duty and Veteran Military Personnel

Matthew L. McCue; Ashlee N. Fisher; Carolyn B. Allard; Constance J. Dalenberg; Alexander O. Hauson

doi:10.21061/jvs.v10i1.521

The Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale 15 Item Self-Report Version (IGRS-15s): Exploring the Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties in a Sample of American Post 9/11 Active-Duty and Veteran Military Personnel

Journal of Veterans Studies

Volume 10 (2024): Issue 1

By: Matthew L. McCue , Ashlee N. Fisher , Carolyn B. Allard , Constance J. Dalenberg and Alexander O. Hauson

Open Access

|Apr 2024

Abstract

Guilt is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidality, all of which are prevalent problems among active-duty and veteran United States military personnel. Most research studying these associations utilize trauma-related guilt conceptualizations. However, researchers have developed and begun testing the Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale-15 Item Self-Report Version (IGRS-15s), which has shown strong psychometric properties in samples of Italian and English-speaking civilians. The present study evaluated the IGRS-15s in a sample of 229 American Post 9/11 combat veterans to understand its utility in this community. We hypothesized and found a four-factor structure in congruence with prior studies of English-speaking samples. As hypothesized, the IGRS-15s was strongly correlated to other measures of guilt and PTSD and was moderately correlated to a measure of depression. Overall, the measure showed good internal consistency and displayed convergent associations with other measures of guilt. As such, the IGRS-15s may be a useful, brief, self-report tool for assessing guilt in military-affiliated communities.

References

Abu-Rus, A., Thompson, K. J., Naish, B. L., Brown, C., & Dalenberg, C. (2020). Development of a validity scale for the dissociative experience scale-revised: atypicality, structure, and inconsistency. Psychological Injury and Law, 13, 167–177. DOI: 10.1007/s12207-019-09371-9
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (Vol. 10). DOI: 10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Baumeister, R. F., Stillwell, A. M., & Heatherton, T. F. (1994). Guilt: an interpersonal approach. Psychological Bulletin, 115(2), 243. DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.115.2.243
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Blevins, C. A., Weathers, F. W., Davis, M. T., Witte, T. K., & Domino, J. L. (2015). The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Development and initial psychometric evaluation. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 28(6), 489–498. DOI: 10.1002/jts.22059
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bonds, T. M., Baiocchi, D., & McDonald, L. L. (2010). Army deployments of OIF and OEF. RAND Arroyo Center.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bovin, M. J., Marx, B. P., Weathers, F. W., Gallagher, M. W., Rodriguez, P., Schnurr, P. P., & Keane, T. M. (2016). Psychometric properties of the PTSD checklist for diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-fifth edition (PCL-5) in veterans. Psychological Assessment, 28(11), 1379. DOI: 10.1037/pas0000254
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Byrne, B. M., & Van de Vijver, F. J. (2010). Testing for measurement and structural equivalence in large-scale cross-cultural studies: Addressing the issue of nonequivalence. International Journal of Testing, 10(2), 107–132. DOI: 10.1080/15305051003637306
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bryan, C. J., Griffith, J. E., Pace, B. T., Hinkson, K., Bryan, A. O., Clemans, T. A., & Imel, Z. E. (2015). Combat exposure and risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among military personnel and veterans: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 45(5), 633–649. DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12163
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bryan, C. J., Ray-Sannerud, B., Morrow, C. E., & Etienne, N. (2013). Guilt is more strongly associated with suicidal ideation among military personnel with direct combat exposure. Journal of Affective Disorders, 148(1), 37–41. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.11.044
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cameron, J. J., & Stinson, D. A. (2019). Gender (mis) measurement: Guidelines for respecting gender diversity in psychological research. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 13(11), e12506. DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12506
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Caprara, G. V., Perugini, M., Pastorelli, C., & Barbaranelli, C. (1990). Esplorazione delle dimensioni comuni della colpa e dell’aggressività (exploration of the common dimensions of guilt and aggressiveness). Giornale Italiano di Psicologia, 17, 665–681.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chagas, M. H. N., Tumas, V., Rodrigues, G. R., Machado-de-Sousa, J. P., Filho, A. S., Hallak, J. E., & Crippa, J. A. S. (2013). Validation and internal consistency of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for major depression in Parkinson’s disease. Age and Ageing, 42(5), 645–649. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/aft065
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Choi, C. H., & You, Y. Y. (2017). The study on the comparative analysis of EFA and CFA. Journal of Digital Convergence, 15(10), 103–111.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Chu, C., Buchman-Schmitt, J. M., Stanley, I. H., Hom, M. A., Tucker, R. P., Hagan, C. R., Rogers, M. L., Podlogar, M. C., Chiurliza, B., Ringer, F. B., Michaels, M. S., Patros, C. H. G., & Joiner, T. E., Jr. (2017). The interpersonal theory of suicide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of a decade of cross-national research. Psychological Bulletin, 143(12), 1313–1345. DOI: 10.1037/bul0000123
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Cunningham, K. C., Farmer, C., LoSavio, S. T., Dennis, P. A., Clancy, C. P., Hertzberg, M. A., Collie, C. F., Calhoun, P. S., & Beckham, J. C. (2017). A model comparison approach to trauma-related guilt as a mediator of the relationship between PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation among veterans. Journal of Affective Disorders, 221, 227–231. DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.06.046
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dalenberg, C. J., Straus, E., & Carlson, E. B. (2017). Defining trauma. In S. N. Gold (Eds.), APA handbook of trauma psychology: Foundations in knowledge (pp. 15–33). American Psychological Association. DOI: 10.1037/0000019-002
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Davis, K. L., Panksepp, J., & Normansell, L. (2003). The affective neuroscience personality scales: Normative data and implications. Neuropsychoanalysis, 5(1), 57–69. DOI: 10.1080/15294145.2003.10773410
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dimitrov, D. M. (2012). Statistical methods for validation of assessment scale data in counseling and related fields. American Counseling Association.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Faccini, F., Gazzillo, F., Gorman, B. S., De Luca, E., & Dazzi, N. (2020). Guilt, shame, empathy, self-esteem, and traumas: New data for the validation of the Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale-15 Self-Report (IGRS–15s). Psychodynamic Psychiatry, 48(1), 79–100. DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2020.48.1.79
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Forkus, S. R., Contractor, A. A., Goncharenko, S., Goldstein, S. C., & Weiss, N. H. (2022). Online crowdsourcing to study trauma and mental health symptoms in military populations: A case for Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk) platform. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. DOI: 10.1037/tra0001235
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gazzillo, F. (2016). Control-mastery theory/trusting patients. In R. Cortina (Ed.), Introduction to control-mastery theory (pp. 241–275). Milano.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gazzillo, F., Gorman, B., Bush, M., Silberschatz, G., Mazza, C., Faccini, F., Crisafulli, V., Alesiani, R., & De Luca, E. (2017). Reliability and validity of the Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale-15: A new clinician-reporting tool for assessing interpersonal guilt according to control-mastery theory. Psychodynamic Psychiatry, 45(3), 362–384. DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2017.45.3.362
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Gazzillo, F., Gorman, B., De Luca, E., Faccini, F., Bush, M., Silberschatz, G., & Dazzi, N. (2018). Preliminary data about the validation of a self-report for the assessment of interpersonal guilt: The Interpersonal Guilt Rating Scale. Psychodynamic Psychiatry, 46(1), 23–48. DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2018.46.1.23
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Guada, J., Land, H., & Han, J. (2011). An exploratory factor analysis of the burden assessment scale with a sample of African-American families. Community Mental Health Journal, 47, 233–242. DOI: 10.1007/s10597-010-9298-0
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Guyker, W. M., Donnelly, K., Donnelly, J. P., Dunnam, M., Warner, G. C., Kittleson, J., Bradshaw, C. B., Alt, M. & Meier, S. T. (2013). Dimensionality, reliability, and validity of the combat experiences scale. Military Medicine, 178(4), 377–384. DOI: 10.7205/MILMED-D-12-00223
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hall, L. K. (2012). The importance of understanding military culture. In J. Beder (Ed.), Advances in social work practice with the military (pp. 3–17). Routledge.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Harder, D. H., & Zalma, A. (1990). Two promising shame and guilt scales: A construct validity comparison. Journal of Personality Assessment, 55(3–4), 729–745. DOI: 10.1207/s15327752jpa5503&;4_30
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Hendin, H., & Haas, A. P. (1991). Suicide and guilt as manifestations of PTSD. American Journal of Psychiatry, 148(5), 586–591. DOI: 10.1176/ajp.148.5.586
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kip, A., Diele, J., Holling, H., & Morina, N. (2022). The relationship of trauma-related guilt with PTSD symptoms in adult trauma survivors: a meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 52(12), 2201–2211. DOI: 10.1017/S0033291722001866
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kline, R. B. (1998). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. Guilford Press.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kroenke, K, Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kubany, E. S., Haynes, S. N., Abueg, F. R., Manke, F. P., Brennan, J. M., & Stahura, C. (1996). Development and validation of the Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI). Psychological Assessment, 8(4), 428. DOI: 10.1037/1040-3590.8.4.428
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lacerenza, C. N., Joseph, D. L., & Cassisi, J. E. (2020). Are we assessing guilt correctly? An investigation of the psychometric properties of a prominent guilt measure. Motivation and Emotion, 44, 567–582. DOI: 10.1007/s11031-019-09810-9
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Leonardi, J., Gazzillo, F., Gorman, B. S., & Kealy, D. (2022). Understanding interpersonal guilt: Associations with attachment, altruism, and personality pathology. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 63(6), 573–580. DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12854
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Lorenzo-Seva, U. (2022). Solomon: A method for splitting a sample into equivalent subsamples in factor analysis. Behavior Research Methods, 54(6), 2665–2677. DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01750-y
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
McCue, M. L., Fisher, A. N., Johnson, K. R., Bariani, A., Cabral, M. M., Allard, C. B., Tiet, Q. Q., & Edmonds, S. (2021). Exposure to civilian casualties is related to guilt and suicidality in Post 9/11 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Military Behavioral Health, 9(1), 110–117. DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2021.1904065
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Moradi, Y., Dowran, B., & Sepandi, M. (2021). The global prevalence of depression, suicide ideation, and attempts in the military forces: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cross sectional studies. BMC Psychiatry, 21(1), 1–31. DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03526-2
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mundfrom, D. J., Shaw, D. G., & Ke, T. L. (2005). Minimum sample size recommendations for conducting factor analyses. International Journal of Testing, 5(2), 159–168. DOI: 10.1207/s15327574ijt0502_4
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Muris, P., & Meesters, C. (2014). Small or big in the eyes of the other: On the developmental psychopathology of self-conscious emotions as shame, guilt, and pride. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 17, 19–40. DOI: 10.1007/s10567-013-0137-z
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Murray, H. L. (2018). Survivor guilt in a posttraumatic stress disorder clinic sample. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 23(7), 600–607. DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2018.1507965
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Na, P. J., Schnurr, P. P., & Pietrzak, R. H. (2023). Mental health of US combat veterans by war era: Results from the National health and Resilience in veterans study. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 158, 36–40. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.12.019
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Norman, S. B., Wilkins, K. C., Myers, U. S., & Allard, C. B. (2014). Trauma informed guilt reduction therapy with combat veterans. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 21(1), 78–88. DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2013.08.001
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
O’Connor, B. P. (2000). SPSS and SAS programs for determining the number of components using parallel analysis and Velicer’s MAP test. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers, 32(3), 396–402. DOI: 10.3758/BF03200807
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
O’Connor, L. E., Berry, J. W., Weiss, J., Bush, M., & Sampson, H. (1997). Interpersonal guilt: The development of a new measure. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53(1), 73–89. DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4679(199701)53:1<;73::AID-JCLP10>3.0.CO;2-I
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Opp, R. E., & Samson, A. Y. (1989). Taxonomy of guilt for combat veterans. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 20(3), 159. DOI: 10.1037/0735-7028.20.3.159
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Popiel, A., & Zawadzki, B. (2015). Trauma Related Guilt Inventory-psychometric properties of the Polish adaptation (TRGI-PL). Psychiatria Polska, 49(5), 1089–1099. DOI: 10.12740/PP/36754
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2016). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. The Guilford Press.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Ross, C. A. (2013). Self-blame and suicidal ideation among combat veterans. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 67(4), 309–322. DOI: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2013.67.4.309
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Tangney, J. P. (1995). Recent advances in the empirical study of shame and guilt. American Behavioral Scientist, 38(8), 1132–1145. DOI: 10.1177/0002764295038008008
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Urtasun, M., Daray, F. M., Teti, G. L., Coppolillo, F., Herlax, G., Saba, G., & Irazola, V. (2019). Validation and calibration of the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) in Argentina. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1), 1–10. DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2262-9
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wong, L., Bliese, P., & McGurk, D. (2003). Military leadership: A context specific review. The Leadership Quarterly, 14(6), 657–692. DOI: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2003.08.001
Open DOI Search in Google Scholar Back to article

Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v10i1.521 | Journal eISSN: 2470-4768

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 125 - 138

Submitted on: Oct 15, 2023

Accepted on: Feb 6, 2024

Published on: Apr 16, 2024

Published by: Virginia Tech Publishing

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Post-9/11,

Guilt,

Measures,

PTSD,

Depression

© 2024 Matthew L. McCue, Ashlee N. Fisher, Carolyn B. Allard, Constance J. Dalenberg, Alexander O. Hauson, published by Virginia Tech Publishing
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 10 (2024): Issue 1