Psychosocial adjustment of victims of occupational hand injuries

A group of hand injury patients was followed up 2-3 years after their injury. Compared to a non-patient control group hand injury patients were more externally oriented, and reported more psychological symptoms. Based on their General Health Questionnaire scores, the patients were divided into a low score and a high score group. High GHQ scores were associated with external locus of control, less social activities, and dissatisfaction with social life. The medical rating of loss of earning capacity was not predictive of overall occupational or psychosocial adjustment. Suggestions are made for future research into determinants of occupational adjustment of these patients.