Analysis of behavioral adjustment changes in heterogenously grouped psychiatric patients

This study was designed to analyze the behavioral adjustment changes which occurred in heterogeneously grouped psychiatric patients over a two month time period, The question was asked, is there a therapeutic effect which, as measured on a Behavioral Adjustment Scale, results in more acceptable behavioral responses for both the chronic and overtly psychotic patients as well as the acute and covertly psychotic patients? Sixty-six patients were equated on age? diagnosis, length of stay in the hospital and the MACC Behavioral Adjustment Rating Scale, The MACC scale was the instrument for measuring behavioral adjustment. The patients were equally distributed over three wards based upon the three above controls and the first rating on the MACC Scale. Ratings were completed at one and two month intervals. The wards operated under a unit organizational system. Analysis of variance of the changes in adjustment scores indicated: 1. There was no overall improvement for all patients. 2. There was no overall improvement in the above average adjusted patient. 3. There was an improvement after one month in all below average behavioral adjusted patients. 4. There was overall improvement in the below average adjusted patient on only one ward. It is concluded that: 1. The unit ward system per se did not contribute to the improvement in behavioral adjustment for patients. 2. There was a factor present on one ward and missing from the other two wards which could account for behavioral adjustment improvement. 3. This unidentified factor was specific to improvement in only the below average group.