Emotional stress, social support and symptoms of myoarthropathy in adolescents

Myoarthropathies of the masticatory system (MAP) are a common chronic orofacial condition confronting dentists. Emotional stress is seen as one possible etiological factor of MAP in adults. However, a review of the literature reveals that the correlation between stress and MAP in adolescence has been rarely investigated. If stress is related to MAP as early as adolescence it might be an important risk factor for the course of MAP later on. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between stress (life events, daily hassles), social support and MAP in a non-selected population of adolescents. Participants were 417 pupils 11 to 16-years old. MAP signs and symptoms were assessed by clinical examination during routine dental screening at school, negative life events, school problems and social support by questionnaires. All correlations between stress indicators and the MAP-index were significant, although low (r < .24). Social support correlated negatively with the MAP-index (r = -.14). Multiple regression analyses revealed a significant correlation between the stress indicators and the MAP-index when age and gender were included (multiple R =.27; p <.0001). Stress was a small but significant risk factor for MAP. There was no significant stress-reducing buffering effect of social support. In discriminant analyses and logistic regression about 65% of all cases were correctly classified into two groups with and without MAP. According to these results from a non-selected sample of adolescents, stress and social support are relevant factors already at the beginning of the development of MAP.