Construct Validity of the Theory of Grief Recovery (TOGR): A New Paradigm Toward Our Understanding of Grief and Loss

Background: Many grief-based Health Education programs have not been theoretically examined to show how and why beneficial effects have been reported with their use and implementation. Purpose: We used a construct validity of the treatment approach to test the implicit theoretical structure of the theory of grief recovery (TOGR) and evaluate the extent of influence and estimated effect size that intervention exposure had on targeted variables of grief and grief recovery. Methods: Using a repeated measures design, the previously validated Grief Recovery Method (R) Instrument (GRM-I) was used to collect data from 3 observations where nonrandomized participants served as their own controls. Results: The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant increases in participants' scores on targeted variables between observations. Wilks' lambda showed an overall significant effect. Test-retest reliability of the GRM-I was acceptable. Discussion: A construct validity approach better equipped researchers to test theoretical assumptions of the TOGR-based intervention to produce desired changes in targeted variables. Translation to Health Education Practice: The importance of Health Education interventions to influence variables supportive of behavioral change are well documented. The present study showed that the theoretical structure of the TOGR-based intervention held and had the intended influence on variables of grief and grief recovery.