On the structure of childhood dental fear, using the Dental Subscale of the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule

Authors:

M. Ten Berge
Department of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Social Dentistry and Dental Health Education, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
J. S. Veerkamp
Department of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
J. Hoogstraten
Department of Social Dentistry and Dental Health Education, Academic Centre for Dentistry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
P. J. Prins
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

ABSTRACT

Aim

The aim of the present study was to assess the structure of childhood dental fear, using the Dutch parent's version of
the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule (CFSS-DS) and to report on its validity.

Methods

Factor analysis (principal components, varimax rotation) was performed using the scores of a group of high fearful children (n=322).
Results were compared with those from a previous study among low fearful children, also using the parent's version of the CFSS-DS. In
addition, mean item scores between the samples were compared to examine specific differences.

Results

Factor analysis resulted in
a stronger factor pattern than that found in previous research. Four factors accounting for 60 of the variance were found: 1) fear
of general, less invasive aspects of dental treatment; 2) fear of medical aspects; 3) fear of drilling; 4) fear of strangers.

Conclusion

It
was concluded that with increasing fear levels, underlying factors of dental fear can be distinguished more clearly. The CFSS-DS was
indicated to be a reliable and valid measure of dental fear.

PLUMX METRICS

Publication date:

Jun /2002

Keywords:

children, dental fear, factor structure, treatment, validity

Issue:

Vol.3 – n.2/2002

Page:

73 – 78

Publisher:

Ariesdue

Cite:

Harvard: M. Ten Berge, J. S. Veerkamp, J. Hoogstraten, P. J. Prins (2002) "On the structure of childhood dental fear, using the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule", European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 3(2), pp73-78. doi:

Vancouver: M. Ten Berge, J. S. Veerkamp, J. Hoogstraten, P. J. Prins. On the structure of childhood dental fear, using the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule. European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry [Internet]. 2002Jun.1 [cited 2023Jun.02];3(2):73-78. Available from: https://www.ejpd.eu/abstract-pubmed/on-the-structure-of-childhood-dental-fear-using-the-dental-subscale-of-the-childrens-fear-survey-schedule/

MLA: M. Ten Berge, J. S. Veerkamp, J. Hoogstraten, P. J. Prins On the structure of childhood dental fear, using the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule. European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry. 2002;3(2):73-78

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