TY - JOUR
T1 - Mental imagery in dentistry
T2 - Phenomenology and role in dental anxiety
AU - Schneider, Annegret
AU - Andrade, Jackie
AU - Tanja-Dijkstra, Karin
AU - Moles, David R.
PY - 2018/8
Y1 - 2018/8
N2 - Dental anxiety is a prevalent problem with marked psychological, physical and public health implications. Based on cognitive theory and evidence, we hypothesized that vivid, sensory image-based cognitions play a role in dental anxiety. A quantitative online survey (N = 306) and qualitative semi-structured interviews (N = 18) found that vivid sensory images were common irrespective of dental anxiety levels, but that their content, associated distress and responses varied. Participants reporting higher anxiety experienced intense and intrusive fear-provoking dental imagery focusing on unpleasant sensations, which were associated with the intrusive recollection of negative past experiences and avoidance of dentistry. Participants with lower anxiety ratings, reported images that were less distressing and centered around reassuring aspects and positive appointment outcomes, potentially acting as protective factors against dental anxiety and facilitating appointment attendance. The inclusion of components aimed at reducing intrusive memories and dental imagery rescripting may help improve interventions for dental anxiety.
AB - Dental anxiety is a prevalent problem with marked psychological, physical and public health implications. Based on cognitive theory and evidence, we hypothesized that vivid, sensory image-based cognitions play a role in dental anxiety. A quantitative online survey (N = 306) and qualitative semi-structured interviews (N = 18) found that vivid sensory images were common irrespective of dental anxiety levels, but that their content, associated distress and responses varied. Participants reporting higher anxiety experienced intense and intrusive fear-provoking dental imagery focusing on unpleasant sensations, which were associated with the intrusive recollection of negative past experiences and avoidance of dentistry. Participants with lower anxiety ratings, reported images that were less distressing and centered around reassuring aspects and positive appointment outcomes, potentially acting as protective factors against dental anxiety and facilitating appointment attendance. The inclusion of components aimed at reducing intrusive memories and dental imagery rescripting may help improve interventions for dental anxiety.
KW - Cognitive processes
KW - Fear
KW - Image-based cognitions
KW - Intrusion
KW - Involuntary memory
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U2 - 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.06.009
DO - 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.06.009
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85049842106
SN - 0887-6185
VL - 58
SP - 33
EP - 41
JO - Journal of Anxiety Disorders
JF - Journal of Anxiety Disorders
ER -
