Affective Temperaments and Depressive Rumination in an Italian–Spanish sample with bruxism

Introduction

Bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth grinding or clenching, is a complex issue influenced by various factors. From a mental health perspective, bruxism has been linked to psychopatological variables, i.e., anxiety, depression and ruminative thinking. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological traits associated with affective components in an Italian–Spanish sample with bruxism.

Method

In total, 581 subjects were examinated and data were collected through online survey including the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS) and the Brief Italian Version of the TEMPS-A (Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire). Differences between the groups were assessed using Student’s t-test for independent samples. In addition, a linear regression analysis was performed, in which the Ruminative Response Scale variable was considered the dependent variable, and all the TEMPS-A factors were included in the equation, to assess which temperamental dimensions could act as specific predictors of depressive rumination in patients with bruxism.

Results

The analyses revealed statistically significant gender differences concerning Depressive, Cyclothymic, Hyperthymic, and Anxious temperaments, as well as components of Depressive Rumination. Furthermore, linear regression analysis showed that Depressive, Cyclothymic, and Anxious temperaments are predictive of the Depressive Rumination variable.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest the relevance of affective temperaments and Depressive Rumination in the clinical population of patients with bruxism.