A multivariate analysis of motivational attributes among spinal cord injured rehabilitation clients

Based on the assumption that understanding client motivation is central to the rehabilitation process but that motivation is complex, configural, and not a bipolar construct, this study sought to describe the motivational patterns of 110 spinal cord injured persons receiving vocational rehabilitation services. Self-report inventories purporting to measure four motivational concepts--arousal level, expectations, incentive conditions and need fulfillment--were used as descriptors. A cluster analysis procedure was used to form homogeneous subgroups of spinal cord injured persons according to motivational variable scores. Results indicated that the cluster analysis technique was reliable and that 80% of the sample was correctly classified into one or another of four subgroups on the basis of five motivational variables: personal goal choice and perceived importance of that goal, current life satisfaction, family need satisfaction, age, and arousal level. The clearest discriminator in forming the subgroups was type of goal chosen and perceived importance of that goal. Other demographic and psychological information was provided to sharpen intragroup similarities and intergroup differences. Implications for rehabilitation practice and future research were discussed.