Abstract
Patients react to stimuli (visual, tactile and imitative treatment stimuli) in the dental clinic caused by engines, turbines and syringes. By classifying the GSR (Galvanic Skin Reflex) wave pattern changes caused by such reactions, and comparing the percentile values of disposition characteristics based on an examination of each GSR wave pattern and the individual disposition of children, a study was made of the relationship between the GSR reaction change patterns and disposition characteristics. To record the GSR wave, we used a polygraph (8 channels, Nihon-Koden).
A total of 53 outpatients of our department of pediatric dentistry aged 4 to 12 agreed to be subject for this research after its purpose was explained to them and their guardians. Of these 19 were preschool children while younger and older primary school children numberd 18 and 16 respectively. There were 24 boys and 29 girls.
1) Ranking of the GSR change patterns caused by each piece of dental equipment (engine, turbine, syringe) showed a very high correlation.
2) Reaction for each piece of equipment was at a low level for both visual and tactile but very strong for imitative treatment reaction in the “later increase” type of patient, of which there were many.
3) Children with a favorable character were those who showed change patterns of “no changes” type, “same change” type, “increase” type and “later increase” type.
4) Disposition factors having the closest relationship to the GSR change patterns were those of exposure, tendency towards anxiety, retiring and independent types.
