Mood states following a compensable personal injury

Abstract

Abstract The impact of compensable injury on moods was investigated in 106 individuals using the Visual Analog Mood Scales. Results indicated markedly negatively skewed distributions of ratings on being Sad, Energetic, Tired, Happy, or Tense. A contrasting pattern of positive and negative mood responses was evident. There were notable differences in mood conditions between different types of injuries: (a) anger and tiredness featured in brain injury; (b) sadness and tiredness characterized psychological injuries; and (c) most moods were moderate across musculoskeletal injuries with the possible exception of being energetic. The extent of psychological problems was related to mood levels.