Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the psychological factors concerning maladaptive behavior shown by children when they were given dental treatment.
With respect to adaptation to cavity preparation,42 children aged from 4to 8 years were classified into two groups -the adaptation group and the maladaptation group.
The personality of the child and the manner of the parents in bringing up the child were compared in the two groups. The results are summarized as follows:
1. The maladaptation group showed poor characteristics with respect to all items except “emotional stability” compared with the adaptation group.
2. A close relationship was found between maladaptive behavior with respect to dental treatment and personal characteristics such as “independence”, “adaptation to school” and “social stability”.
3. The maladaptation group showed a poor attitude of the parents toward the upbringing of the child, especially with respect to the relationship between the child and the mother compared with the adaptation group. However, it was in the “contradiction” category that concerning the relationship between the child and the father there was found a poor attitude with respect the upbringing of the child in the adaptation group compared with the maladaptation group.
4. The attitude of the mother towards upbringing which related to dental treatment was found “contradiction”.
