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Psychological factors in temporomandibular joint dysfunction: life events
D C Gerke1, A N Goss, D L Bassett
1Department of Dentistry, University of Adelaide, SA.
Australian Prosthodontic Journal
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Psychological factors influence temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) development and patient response to care. High life events correlate with illness behavior, not directly with TMJD onset.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Medicine
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Psychological and emotional factors play a role in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD).
- Previous research often examined psychological aspects of TMJD in isolation.
- A comprehensive multivariate approach is needed to understand TMJD etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a multivariate analysis of psychological and physical variables in TMJD patients.
- To investigate the relationship between life events, psychological parameters, and TMJD.
- To understand how psychological factors influence illness behavior in TMJD.
Main Methods:
- Multivariate analysis was conducted on a TMJD group (N=105) and a matched control group (N=90).
- A broad range of psychological and physical variables were assessed.
- Patients were categorized based on high versus low life event experiences.
Main Results:
- A direct relationship between high life events and the development of TMJD was not demonstrated.
- High life events showed a significant positive correlation with other psychological parameters.
- High life events correlated directly with the development of illness behavior in TMJD patients.
Conclusions:
- While not directly causing TMJD, high life events are associated with psychological distress and illness behavior.
- A multivariate approach is crucial for understanding the complex interplay of factors in TMJD.
- Further research should explore the nuanced relationship between psychological well-being and TMJD.
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