Relationship Between Locus of Control and Effects of Coping Strategies on Dental Stress in Children

Abstract

Forty females and 40 males (equal number of Internals and Externals) aged 9-12 years who exhibited moderate to high dental anxiety were randomly assigned to a group rehearsing coping strategies for stress and anxiety or to a placebo condition. Subjects were observed during a dental examination one to two weeks following treatment. Results indicate the coping condition was more effective than placebo in reducing self-report anxiety and in effecting a change of locus of control toward greater internality. Internal subjects exhibited a greater reduction in physiological arousal than did Externals, while External subjects changed their locus of control to a greater extent than did Internal subjects. Sex by treatment interactions were found for reduction in physiologica arousal and behavioral manifestations of anxiety. Results are discussed in regard to Watson and Baumal's (1967) incongruity hypothesis and Phares' (1973; 1976) interactionist position.