Personality predictors of dimensions of psychosocial adjustment after surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Although many studies have examined the relationship between personality factors and adjustment after surgery, most of them have had very short follow-up periods. The present prospective study examines whether preoperative psychodynamic assessment of personality traits enhances prediction of various areas of psychosocial adjustment assessed at least 1 year after surgery.


METHODS
In 53 patients undergoing pelvic pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis, we examined the relationship between personality traits measured before surgery, and postoperative psychosocial adjustment assessed at a median of 17 months postoperatively, controlling for the effect of surgical functional outcome. Personality traits were assessed with the Karolinska Psychodynamic Profile (KAPP). Surgical functional outcome scales and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS) were used.


RESULTS
Problems with sexual satisfaction, perfectionistic body ideals, lack of alexithymia, and poor frustration tolerance predicted poor postoperative adjustment in various areas, beyond what was predicted by surgical functional outcome alone. Moreover, moderate preoperative levels of alexithymia were beneficial to postoperative adjustment in the area of psychological distress.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that the preoperative assessment of the patient's long-term sexual functioning and satisfaction, the importance attached to his or her appearance, level of alexithymia, and general capacity to tolerate frustration and set-backs in life, might alert both the surgeon and the patient to potential risk factors for poor postsurgical adjustment.
Weinryb
R M
RM
Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. robert.weinryb@knv.ki.se
Gustavsson
J P
JP
Barber
J P
JP
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D016737:Proctocolectomy, Restorative / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment