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.