ABSTRACT
Burn patients basically go through the sequential stages of physiological, psychological and social emergency after the burn injury. In the present study, 88 burn patients were classified into three groups according to the stages as mentioned above. Then, we observed the states of anxiety, depression, inward activities, various psychological responses measured by SCL-90-R, and body image changes in each stage. The study results were as follows: 1) We found that depressive symptoms increased as the stage advanced. They were correlated with family conflicts and low level of education. The state of anxiety was not correlated with the staging. 2) There were differences between stages I and III in ANX, DEP, SOM, PHOB axes of SCL-90-R. 3) The mood of burn patients and the patients' cooperation to the treatment observed by the nurse was partially correlated with depression and anxiety, while the patients' relation to others and interpersonal relationship were not. 4) Variables such as the size of burned area, duration of hospitalization and darkening skin affected the patients' body image. 5) We found that burn patients have psychological difficulties. Therefore, the treatment of burn injury should be done in parallel with the psychological treatment by professionals.