PERSONALITY AND LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO ORGANIC-SOLVENTS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 2  (2) , 89-100
Abstract
Personality, especially emotional reactions of 2 solvent-exposed groups and a nonexposed reference group were described by 20 formal, content and check-list type of Rorschach variables. Suitability and psychological meaning of other types of Rorschach variables than those applied earlier in the field of human behavioral toxicology were also studied. Factor analyses grouped the applied variables into factors of productivity, ego strength, control of emotionality, defensive introversion and aggressiveness. One solvent group, a patient group (n = 53), was characterized by a high number of organic signs and a low genetic level, indicating possible psychoorganic deterioration. The other solvent group, styrene-exposed but subjectively healthy (n = 98), was characterized by few emotional reactions, low anxiety and a low number of neurotic signs. Long duration of exposure of the solvent patient group (mean 10.2 .+-. 8.7 yr) was related to variables of productivity factor, a finding that indicated a possible better adjustment of those exposed for a longer time. Duration of exposure of the styrene-exposed group (mean 4.9 .+-. 3.2 yr) revealed a very slight relation to personality variables but mean urinary mandelic acid concentration, indicating level of styrene exposure, correlated with increased emotional reactions. Definite causal conclusions could not be drawn because of the cross-sectional design of the study.