Dental fear is a common problem and is associated with poor oral health and low dental service utilisation. However, relatively little psychological research has been carried out in dentistry, in particular looking at imagery which plays an important role in other types of anxiety. The current study aimed to explore thoughts and feelings of dental patients in depth, focusing on mental images, past and anticipated future experiences and coping.
Method:
Theoretical models guiding this research are the Dynamic Well-being Model and the Elaborated Intrusion Theory, hypothesizing intrusive images play a role in dental fear and avoidance. A semi-structured interview guide was developed and 18 adult students were interviewed from April to May 2012. The interview material was transcribed verbatim and analysed with the software NVivo using Thematic Analysis for coding and developing overarching themes.
Result:
Findings provide in-depth insight into the role of mental images in the onset and maintenance of dental anxiety. Dental imagery seems to be experienced by everyone, but with considerable difference regarding content between the higher and lower anxious participants. Highly anxious participants imagined chemical smells or feeling pain during treatment processes, compared to lower anxious interviewees who imagined the outcome of visits. Lower anxious participants also attached greater importance to oral health than their higher anxious counterparts. Frequently mentioned coping strategies were breathing and distraction, creating rituals and avoiding thinking about and attending visits.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the importance of considering imagery when planning interventions for dental anxiety.