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The Effect of Orientation Passages on Patient Stress Prior to Dentistry

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Abstract

18 Ss underwent two dental operations, one normal and one preceded by orientation passages which emphasized either the disturbing or beneficial aspects of the procedure. Physiological and subjective measures of stress were recorded, and all Ss completed the Denial (Dn) scale of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Results demonstrated that (a) Ss showed marked elevations in stress prior to treatment when read a passage concerning disturbing aspects of dentistry but indicated significantly less stress following a passage that pointed out the beneficial aspects, and (b) Ss who scored high on the Dn scale of the MMPI indicated less overall stress while anticipating treatment than those scoring low. These findings were discussed in relationship to studies of vicarious stress and to stress research as a whole.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, 02155, USA

    Philip G. Mead

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  1. Philip G. Mead
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Additional information

This research was supported by Grant DH 00035-04 from the Office of Dental Health, U.S. Public Health Service. The author wishes to express his appreciation to Percy H. Hill, Director of the Biodental Engineering Project, and to Philip B. Sampson, Chairman of the Psychology Department, Tufts University.

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Mead, P.G. The Effect of Orientation Passages on Patient Stress Prior to Dentistry. Psychol Rec 20, 479–488 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03393969

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