Relationship between uncertainty in illness, mood state and coping style in patients with temporomandibular disorders

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between uncertainty in illness, mood state and coping style in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in the hospital, in order to identify nursing measures. Methods: Chinese versions of the Mishel Uncertainty In Illness Scale (MUIS), Brief Profile Of Mood States (BPOMS) and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ) were used to assess uncertainty in illness, mood state and coping style, respectively, in 126 patients with TMD. Results: The total score of uncertainty in illness of the patients was 91.33 ± 16.38, which was at middle level. The total score of mood state was 37.93 ± 17.0. The order of coping style rated from high to low was confrontation (18.81 ± 3.65), avoidance (15.44 ± 4.26) and acceptance (10.41 ± 5.04). Acceptance was positively correlated with uncertainty in illness (r = 0.463, p < 0.001), and mood state (r = 0.187, p < 0.05). Avoidance and confrontation were negatively correlated with uncertainty in illness and mood state (r=−0.286, p < 0.01), (r=−0.175, p < 0.05), (r=−0.171, p < 0.05), (r=−0.221, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Both uncertainty in illness and mood state were related to coping style. These data suggest that nurses should be trained to offer appropriate guidance to help decrease patients' uncertainty in illness and relieve their negative emotions.

Keywords

• Coping style
• Mood state
• Temporomandibular disorders
• Uncertainty in illness