Personality structure and adjustment pattern in bronchial asthma

Abstract

A controlled study was conducted on 25 bronchial asthma patients in order to understand their personality structure, interpersonal relationships, conflicts and adjustment patterns. Psychometric evaluation was done by administering Rorschach's test, Eysenck's rating scale for anxiety and neurasthenic tendency, and sentence completion test. The results revealed that the asthmatics were intelligent but inhibited. They had covert aggression, neurotic constriction and marked affectional and dependency needs. They had considerable anxiety and were unable to use their energy for constructive work. Excessive dependency on the mother and sexual disturbance were prominently noticeable. They were possessed with irrational fears, guilt feelings and insecurity. Though high goals were set they were unable to achieve them. The present data suggest avenues for further research in the cross-cultural field.