Self-reported and physiologically measured dental anxiety, coping styles and personality traits

The present study explores the relationship between coping styles and other personality aspects on the one hand and self-reported and physiologically measured dental anxiety on the other. In addition, it is investigated whether coping styles and/or personality aspects do add to the prediction of physiologically measured dental anxiety. Self-reported dental anxiety and physiological activation were assessed during two prescheduled sessions: immediately prior to a dental check-up visit (stress session), and one month later without a dental check-up (baseline sessions). The results indicate that physiological activity associated with an oncoming dental check-up may be predicted, in addition to dental anxiety self-report, by emotion-focused coping styles. Other important determinants of the physiological response may be characterized by dental anxiety self-report in combination with low controllability, unpredictability, novelty and possibly feelings of anger. Only neuroticism appeared to be related to self-reported dental anxiety, but was unsuccessful in the prediction of physiological activation.