Self-efficacious control over reported physiological, cognitive and behavioural symptoms of dental anxiety

Abstract

This study explored the possibility that Bandura's notion of self-efficacy can be applied to control over physiological, cognitive and behavioural symptoms of anxiety. Patients waiting to see a dentist were asked to complete questionnaires designed to measure (a) their level of dental anxiety, (b) the extent to which they experienced anxiety-related symptoms and (c) their perceived ability to control these symptoms. Patients with low anxiety claimed to experience fewer symptoms on all three dimensions than those with moderate or high anxiety, and also to have more control over these symptoms. Ss believed that the extent of their control declined as the appointment approached in time, but this reported decline was least for the low anxiety group and greatest for the high anxiety group. Implications for interventions and future research are discussed.