Global appropriateness of pain drawings: Blind ratings predict patterns of psychological distress and litigation status

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Abstract
Previous studies examining pain drawings of low back pain patients have shown conflicting results in predicting elevations of MMPI [Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory] scores. A study of 82 patients whose drawings were rated only for overall, anatomical appropriateness was conducted using the SCL-90 [sympton Checklist-90] rather than the MMPI as the psychological assessment instrument. Significant differences were found between appropriate and inappropriate drawings; however, these differences seem to reflect differences in cognitive style of coping with pain as opposed to psychopathology. The implications and limitations of the study are discussed.