Personality profiles of physically impaired adolescents

Investigated MMPI profiles between two groups of adolescents with dissimilar disabilities (cleft lip/palate, orthopedic) who displayed observable physical impairment. The findings support the contention that type of disability has differential effects on adolescent personality characteristics. However, the profile elevations are consistent with previous reports of behavioral inhibition in both disability groups. Adolescents with impairments of the cleft lip/palate display greater self-concern and ruminative self-doubt over interpersonal interactions. The orthopedically impaired group exhibit an isolative and passive orientation to interpersonal interactions, as well as more generalized feelings of alienation.