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Much of what is known about the psychological response to amputation is derived from studies of veterans. Most recent amputees come from a different group; they are typically older and have experienced medical problems prior to their amputation. In order to investigate the effects of age and time since amputation on psychological response, 66 amputees were assessed by the Symptom Checklist-90, Beck Depression Inventory and interviewed. When classified by time since amputation and by age, the results indicate that older amputees exhibited less depression and fewer psychological symptoms: in contrast, younger amputees evidenced increased depression and psychological symptomatology the longer the time since their amputation.

Two subgroups were identified and validated in a group of 53 persons with spinal cord injury by applying cluster-analytic procedures to subjects' self-reported coping and health locus-of-control belief scores. Subjects in Cluster I relied extensively on all seven scales of the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, had elevated external health attributions, and reported higher levels of psychological distress and depression. Subjects in Cluster 2 emphasized internal health attributions, reported less distress, and relied less on coping methods described in the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Treatment implications of results for the two subgroups are discussed.

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W awareness of the personal and social aspects of disability is increasing. In this chapter we attempt to provide some ideas, recommendations, and suggestions to psychologists who are interested in the use of psychological testing in their work with individuals who have sustained an acute-onset physical disability.The psychological assessment of personality and behavioral disorders following acquisition of physical disability warrants the concern of any practicing psychologist. Although psychometric assessment is considered a hallmark of psychology, inappropriate and insensitive use of psychological instruments with clientele limited in physical capacity can produce erroneous and misleading results and imprecise observations about the respondent. This is a particular concern in rehabilitation, as test interpretations are usually translated into treatment recommendations, disability determinations, and eligibility for federal and state rehabilitation services. Thus, the need to provide expert psychological assessment in this realm is paramount. Unfortunately, the practice of psychological assessment of persons with physical disability has been marked by several misunderstandings and uncertainties. Myerson ( 1957) observed that psychologists often administer psychometric instruments to persons with disability but interpret the scores as if the respondents were nondisabled. Although this issue has been recently addressed in the standardized 325