A cognitive restructuring intervention for dental anxiety
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Tags & Flags: A randomised-control study testing a self-administered cognitive restructuring intervention to manage dental anxiety.
IRAS ID
191466
Contact name
Aysel Denli
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Margaret University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Dental anxiety is one of the most common anxieties, affecting at least 17% of adults (although this figure is much higher in some sub-populations; Armfield & Heaton, 2013). Dental anxiety is problematic because it causes people to delay or completely avoid dental treatment, often resulting in significant health consequences. Managing such patients is reported by dentists as being particularly stressful (Brahm et al, 2012). Despite the importance in addressing this public health issue, there is no standardised way to deal with those anxious about dental treatment (Armfield & Heaton, 2013). The techniques that are used vary in efficacy, with the most effective treatments requiring the most investment on the part of the care team. In this study we will test a new self-administered cognitive restructuring technique that, if successful, will allow for a more standardised and less labour-intensive solution to this important problem. We will recruit individuals who have been previously identified as suffering from dental anxiety. We will measure them on anxiety pre- and post-intervention. Half of the participants will be allocated to the experimental group. The intervention consists of a new cognitive restructuring training program derived from contemporary theories of cognition and involves a five-day program of exercises that can be completed by participants at home in their own time. The control condition involves providing participants with five different breathing exercises that have been recommended for dealing with anxiety. Participants will be given an intervention pack that takes them through their activities (experimental or control) day-by-day for the five days leading up to their follow-up appointment. On arrival at their appointment, we will re-test them on the anxiety measures administered at the start of the study and compare scores pre- and post-intervention.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0709
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion