Psychometric Evaluation of the Dutch-Translated Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II (PGIS-II): Bifactor Insights Using Multidimensional Item Response Theory

Objective This study evaluated the internal structure, reliability and temporal stability, as well as validity evidence based on relations with other variables of the Dutch-Translated Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II scores in a general population sample.Method Data from 1,095 Dutch respondents were analyzed using Multidimensional Item Response Theory. Cross-sectional and longitudinal regression analyses examined associations with indicators of well-being and psychological distress.Results Findings supported a bifactor structure comprising a general factor, one cognitive factor, and two behavioral factors. The general and cognitive factors demonstrated adequate reliability and temporal stability. The cognitive component showed the strongest unique associations with indicators of well-being and psychological distress. Intentional behavior showed smaller contributions, whereas using resources displayed limited effects. The general factor did not retain independent predictive effects.Conclusion Scores from the Dutch PGIS–II support the interpretation of the general and cognitive dimensions; the behavioral factors require further investigation.