This is the finding of a study by researchers at Freie University, Berlin, which will be published in the British Journal of Health Psychology.
The study, led by Professor Ralf Schwarzer, investigated the combined roles of self-efficacy (the belief in one’s own ability to complete tasks) and self-monitoring (an individual’s ability to monitor the completion of tasks, such as the use of a calendar) when predicting the frequency of dental flossing as part of a person’s dental routine.
A study of 287 university students, aged from 19 to 26 years, examined whether a self regulatory intervention would make a difference to flossing behaviours by comparing an intervention group, active control group and passive control group. Each group was given a pre-test questionnaire requesting demographic information and social cognitive variables, as well as being asked how regularly they flossed their teeth.
Identical post-test questionnaires were filled out by each group three weeks later. The questionnaires assessed the roles of self-efficacy and self-monitoring with standard statements, which participants rated on a scale ranging from (1) not at all true, (2) rather not true, (3) likely true, (4) exactly true.
In the intervention group, participants received with their pre-test questionnaire information about the benefits of dental flossing: what it is, why it is done, and how it is done. They were then encouraged to create action plans for three occasions. After each of the three situations, a question relating to self-efficacy was posed on a four point scale. Participants were then asked to produce three coping plans to overcome barriers to flossing and solutions. At the end, participants received a self-monitoring tool, such as calendar.
Participants in the active control group received an educational pamphlet about dental flossing with their pre-test and were then asked to write down the benefits of flossing.
The participants in the passive control group only received questionnaires at the two assessment points without any accompanying intervention.
The study found that interventions led to an increase in dental flossing regardless of experimental conditions. However, differential effects were visible for self-efficacy and self -monitoring confirming that the mindset of the participants had changed and that both play a mediating role in facilitating flossing.
For a full copy of the study please contact the British Psychological Society Press Centre, Tel: 0116 252 9500 or email: presscentre@bps.org.uk