Sensation information, self‐instruction and responses to dental surgery

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Abstract
The interaction effects of presurgery anxiety and two intervention strategies upon adjustment during dental surgery were examined. Patients undergoing gingivectomy (N = 113) were randomly assigned to one of four information groups: sensation, self‐instruction, combined sensation and self‐instruction, or control; and separated according to level of trait and state anxiety. Results showed an interaction effect between the information conditions and state anxiety (p < .05). Compared with the control group, high state anxiety subjects reported less tension (p < .05) and distress (p < .05) after receiving sensation information; less tension (p < .005) after receiving self‐instruction information; and increased positive self‐statements (p < .05) with the combined information. Low‐state anxiety subjects showed negative treatment effects; sensation information alone (p < .001) or combined with self‐instruction (p < .01) reduced the number of reported positive self‐statements.
Funding Information
  • Graduate School of the University of Minnesota (5R01 NU 00714)
  • Public Health Service
  • Division of Nursing