Using the Posttraumatic Growth model (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996) as a framework, the current investigation aims to determine whether growth following short-term cross-cultural travel is achieved through the same cognitive pathway as trauma; that is, whether perceived stress contributes to a reexamination of core beliefs, followed by intrusive and deliberate rumination, thereby leading to personal growth. Given that travel is self-selected, the current study also examines how motivation for personal growth may play a part in perceived growth. The sample consists of 32 individuals who attended 10-day study abroad programs as part of university classes to various destinations. I first tested the hypothesized model in which stress predicted greater disruption of core beliefs, which in turn led to more intrusive rumination, which led to greater deliberate rumination, which then predicted greater growth (Hypothesis 1). Second, I tested whether growth motivation predicted unique variance in growth beyond stress, disruption of core beliefs, and intrusive and deliberate rumination (Hypothesis 2). Findings revealed partial support for Hypothesis 1: stress did not predict disruption of core beliefs; disruption of core beliefs predicted intrusive rumination, which predicted deliberate rumination; and deliberate rumination did not predict growth. Hypothesis 2 was not supported: desire for personal growth did not predict growth when added to the model. These results suggest certain aspects of the PTG model are part of the cognitive pathway of growth following study abroad program, but that other factors remain unknown. Limitations include small sample size, reliance on self-report measures, and a cross-sectional design. Future research should explore other factors that may lead to growth following study abroad programs, including factors other than those in the PTG model.
