Health-related internet support groups and dental anxiety: The fearful patient's online journey

Buchanan, Heather; Coulson, Neil S.; Malik, Sumaira

Abstract

Dental fear and anxiety is a common problem affecting many individuals but for some the problem is more severe. This study examined the discussions which took place between members of a dental anxiety/phobia internet support group. A total of 621 messages were thematically analysed and yielded seven key themes which reflected the various points in the 'journey' towards overcoming their fear: a 'I can still remember' b 'I was ashamed to smile or laugh' c 'This big dark secret I can't share with anyone' d 'I can't stand it anymore' e 'I cross the street rather than walk past the dental surgery' f 'Talking to a computer is much easier' g 'Find a dentist that you are comfortable with'. Future research should seek to explore in more depth the nature of the changes in levels of dental anxiety/phobia which might occur as a result of engagement with the group. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Citation

Buchanan, H., Coulson, N. S., & Malik, S. (2010). Health-related internet support groups and dental anxiety: The fearful patient's online journey. International Journal of Web Based Communities, 6(4), 362-375. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJWBC.2010.035839

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Oct 5, 2010
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Jan 7, 2021
• Journal: International Journal of Web Based Communities
• Print ISSN: 1477-8394
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-8216
• Publisher: Inderscience
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 6
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 362-375
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJWBC.2010.035839
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3161552
• Publisher URL: http://www.inderscience.com/offer.php?id=35839