Affective differences among empirically derived subgroups of headache patients

We (Kinder, Curtiss, & Kalichman, 1991) reported four distinct subgroups of male and female headache patients based on the results of a cluster analysis of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). We extended these results by providing further descriptive information of the subgroups. The MMPIs of 229 (52 males and 177 females), composing the second cohort in our (Kinder et al., 1991) study of headache patients, were reclassified into subgroups. Differences between subgroups on independent measures of anxiety, anger, anger expression, and depression were investigated. Significant differences were found among the empirically derived subgroups. Results are discussed in the context of previous research on headache and back pain patients.