SUBTYPES OF PSYCHOSOCIAL ADJUSTMENT TO BREAST-CANCER

By means of cluster analytic techniques, four subtypes of psychosocial adjustment were identified in a sample of 122 breast cancer patients who completed the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale. Internal c onsistency and internal validity of the derived typology were suggeste d by the finding that two different hierarchical agglomerative cluster ing methods (average derived between groups, Ward's) produced similar solutions. Three of the derived subtypes reported normal affect levels but different patterns of relative strengths and dysfunctions, while the fourth subtype appeared to be highly distressed and globally malad justed. External validation was demonstrated by differentiating the su btypes on variables of negative affect, avoidance coping, and fighting spirit. The clinical and heuristic implications of these findings are discussed. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive assessme nt of psychosocial functioning of cancer patients. They demonstrate th at even non-emotionally distressed patients can have very different pr ofiles of adjustment and may benefit from correspondingly individually tailored psychosocial interventions.