Using memory restructuring strategy to enhance dental behaviour.

Full Abstract

AIMS: This study sought to 'restructure' memory of dental treatment to help children develop positive memories and cooperate more fully with the dentist at future visits. DESIGN: The design compared 'usual care' plus an intervention designed to positively restructure memory with 'usual care' plus a control for 45 children, ages 6-9 years, who were in need of two restorative treatment visits. The intervention occurred at the second visit immediately before the dental treatment and focused on restructuring the child's memory of the first treatment visit. Children were asked to recall how much fear and pain they experienced during the first dental treatment. RESULTS: The child's behaviour improved from the first dental treatment visit to the second in the intervention group but not in the control condition. When compared to the controls, those in the intervention group changed their memory of the fear they experienced at the first treatment and their memory of experienced pain. CONCLUSIONS: Restructuring memory may be effective in reducing fear for future treatment, and is easily adaptable to clinical practice in other healthcare situations.

Author information

Author/s: Pickrell, Jacqueline E (JE); Heima, Masahiro (M); Weinstein, Philip (P); Coolidge, Trilby (T); Coldwell, Susan E (SE); Skaret, Erik (E); Castillo, Jorge (J); Milgrom, Peter (P);

Affiliation: Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, Northwest/Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7475, USA. jpick(-atsign-)u.washington.edu

Grants: 1P60DE013061 (Agency:NIDCR NIH HHS) ; T32DE07132 (Agency:NIDCR NIH HHS) ; U54DE14254 (Agency:NIDCR NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: International journal of paediatric dentistry / the British Paedodontic Society [and] the International Association of Dentistry for Children (Int J Paediatr Dent), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2007-Nov; vol 17 (issue 6) : pp 439-48

Dates: Created 2007/10/15; Completed 2007/12/18;

PMID: 17935597, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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