Differential Response Style on the Personality Assessment Inventory according to Compensation-Seeking Status in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Kim, Yeon Jin; Kweon, Seok Joon; Rho, Seung Ho; Paik, Young Suk

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study examined the characteristics and differences of PAI(Personality Assessment Inventory) profile between compensation-seeking(CS) and treatment-seeking(TS) patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI) and assessed the clinical meaning of the characteristics and differences of profiles between the two groups.
METHODS
36 TBI patients who visited the Wonkwang University Hospital were selected. The patients were categorized as compensation-seeking TBI patients(n=22) and treatment-seeking TBI patients(n=14). The PAI scales and subscales were used to compare differences between two groups. t-verification for each variable and comparison analysis were performed.
RESULTS
In validity scales, CS group showed significantly higher NIM scores and lower PIM scores than TS groups. In full scales, CS group showed significantly higher SOM, ANX, ARD, DEP, and SCZ scores than TS group. In subscales, CS group showed significantly higher SOM-S, ANX-A, ARD-P, DEP(-C, A, P), (MAN-I), PAR-H, SCZ(-T, P), BOR(-A, N), and ANT-S scores than TS groups. In supplementary scales, CS group showed significantly higher SUI, NON and AGG-P, and lower RXR scores than TS group.
CONCLUSIONS
There were significant differences in PAI scales with validity scales, some full and subscales according to compensation seeking status in TBI patients. The CS patients tended to exaggerate their symptoms on PAI, and showed higher scores representing somatic preoccupation and emotional distress. These results show the usefulness of PAI in reflecting the significant psychological differences between two groups.