Fear assessment in a dental analogue setting

An analogue setting for assessing dental fear involving a videotaped simulated dental operation was evaluated in terms of its capability of eliciting differential physiological arousal (Palmer Sweat Index) between high- and low-fear subjects, identified by self-reports of dental fear. Results showed high-fear subjects to exhibit significantly greater palmar sweating than did low-fear subjects, females to respond more than males, and a differential response across groups at different points during the simulated operation. High-fear subjects also gave verbal reports of greater physiological arousal and general anxiety while viewing the operation than did low-fear subjects.