| The MMPI profiles of 339 injured workers were clustered according to the Quick Cluster Method. Three patient subgroups were identified. The largest cluster (n = 177) was characterized by somatitization and depression. A second cluster (32% of the sample) did not show any substantial elevation on any of the clinical scales, while a small percentage (16%) clustered under a more severe pathological profile. Discriminant analysis supported the differentiation among clusters in terms of MMPI test scores. A second discriminant analysis identified demographic differences amongst the three clusters. The "somatoform" cluster was most similar to the average workers' compensation case reported in the literature. Demographic correlates for the "normal" subgroup were judged to be more favorable, including more benign injury, less divorce, fewer claims, shorter periods of disability and higher educational attainment. By comparison, the last subgroup, the "pathological" cluster, was characterized primarily by loss of psychosocial supports. Results indicate iatrogenic factors and the social matrix of an individual may in many ways contribute to the level of post injury adjustment. Results are discussed in light of treatment implications and rehabilitation outcomes. |
