Background: Stress is an etiologic factor of pain-relevant craniomandibular disorders (CMD). Interindividual differences in coping with stress and their relation to CMD have rarely been examined.
Patients and methods: A total of 72 volunteers (20 men, 52 women) were examined according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. Stress parameters and coping skills were assessed by questionnaires.
Results: Stress and one coping factor are correlated with CMD indices. Linear regression analysis found the Life Event Score and cognitive coping by changing appraisals to significantly predict CMD.
Conclusion: Stress and coping skills are independent predictors of CMD.