Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: A Novel Setup to Conduct Naturalistic Laboratory Experiments with Real Human Actors in Scenarios
Published on: August 4, 2023
"Thaumaturgy"- A Novel Behavior-shaping Technique
Sapna Konde1, Saleem Sumaiyya1, Manisha Agarwal1
1Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, AECS Maaruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Aim:
To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of thaumaturgy in alleviation of anxiety in children aged 2-13 years.
Materials And Methods:
Two hundred and forty children aged 2-13 years, identified as manifesting strong-willed behavior were selected for this study. The children were randomly assigned to be managed by one of the three thaumaturgic distraction techniques. Anxiety was assessed before and after the local anesthetic procedure using the anxiety facial scale.
Results:
There was a significant decrease in anxiety with the use of thaumaturgic techniques. Thumb and light trick significantly reduced anxiety in children aged 2-7 years, book trick reduced anxiety in children aged 7-11 years, and item tricks in children aged 11-13 years.
Conclusion:
The use of thaumaturgy plays an important role in shaping the behavior of a child in pediatric dentistry. The age and cognitive development of child dictates the technique to be used.
Clinical Significance:
Thaumaturgy helps to render effective dental treatment in uncooperative children and instill a positive attitude.
How To Cite This Article:
Konde S, Sumaiyya S, Agarwal M, et al. "Thaumaturgy"-A Novel Behavior-shaping Technique. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):318-321.
Related Concept Videos
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Magical Thinking
Role of Shaping in Operant Conditioning
The steps involved in shaping begin with reinforcing any response that resembles the desired behavior. For example, parents might praise a child for picking up one toy. As...
Behavior Modification
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Behaviorism
The core premise of behaviorism is its focus on observable behavior rather than internal thoughts or feelings. This approach argues that true scientific...

