• Heather Brister, Judith A Turner, Leslie A Aaron, and Lloyd Mancl.
• Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA. hbrister@mail.utexas.edu
• J Orofac Pain. 2006 Jan 1;20(2):115-24.

AimsTo examine the psychometric characteristics of a measure of self-efficacy for managing temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to determine whether scores on this measure were related to pain, disability, and psychological distress in patients with chronic TMD pain.MethodsPatients seeking treatment for chronic TMD pain (n = 156, 87% female, mean age = 37 years) completed measures assessing pain, disability, mental health, pain-coping strategies, and self-efficacy for managing their pain.ResultsThe self-efficacy measure, which was adapted from arthritis research, demonstrated good psychometric characteristics (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91, minimal floor and ceiling effects, and validity). Greater self-efficacy was associated with significantly (P < .05) lower levels of pain, disability, and psychological distress. Self-efficacy remained significantly associated with disability and mental health measures even after controlling for demographic variables and pain intensity. In addition, patients with higher self-efficacy reported significantly (P < .05) greater use of an active, adaptive chronic pain-coping strategy (task persistence) and less use of a passive, maladaptive chronic pain-coping strategy (rest).ConclusionSelf-efficacy for managing pain appears to be important in the adjustment of patients with chronic TMD pain. Research is needed to determine whether treatments designed to increase self-efficacy improve TMD patient outcomes.

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