Background and Aim: Dental anxiety and fear are prevalent among adult patients, necessitating behavioral interventions. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of emotional self-regulation strategies and regular desensitization for alleviation of anxiety and fear of adult dental patients. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 40 adult dental patients selected by purposeful sampling, who were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n=20) received emotional self-regulation strategies, and group 2 (n=20) underwent regular desensitization. Data were collected using the Dental Fear Survey and Dental Anxiety Inventory (DAI). Group 1 patients participated in 8 sessions of emotional self-regulation, each lasting 1.30 hours, while group 2 were engaged in an 8-session regular desensitization program of the same duration. Data analysis was performed using t-test and paired t-test. Results: Both emotional self-regulation strategies and regular desensitization significantly decreased the fear and anxiety of adult dental patients (P<0.01). Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in the impact of emotional self-regulation strategies and regular desensitization on fear and anxiety of dental patients (P>0.05). Conclusion: Emotional self-regulation strategies and regular desensitization yield comparable effects on the anxiety and fear of adult dental patients. |
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