Personality correlates and degree of impairment in male adolescents with progressive and nonprogressive physical disorders.

Investigated the personality profiles (MMPI) of 44 adolescents with progressive (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) and nonprogressive (mixed orthopedic) physical impairment to determine the relationship among personality correlates, disability type, functional level of impairment, and rapidity of decline in those with progressive disease. Both groups of males evidenced many similarities to severe physical limitations regardless of diagnosis or progression of their physical status. Common personality characteristics of increasing social inhibition, passiveness, and depression were identified as a response to the realities imposed on mobility and lifestyle. Little evidence was presented that supported clear and linear relationships between physical impairment and adjustment status as reflected by MMPI endorsement. Rapidity of decline in physical status in the progressive group was associated with increased report of social withdrawal and a constellation of behaviors suggestive of increased stress. Methodological problems in studying adjustment status in multihandicapped-heterogeneous disabilities were discussed.