Psychological variables and personality traits associated with awake and sleep bruxism: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies addressed the relationship between developing bruxism and personality traits yielded relatively inconsistent results. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this relationship.

METHODS

117 underwent psychological testing to assess trait anxiety, state anxiety, anger, and depression using STAI-T (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (trait)), STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (state)), STAXI (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory), and BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory test). Personality trait was identified using the 20-item Big Five personality trait questionnaire. Awake bruxism (AB) and sleep bruxism (SB) were identified using electromyography and polysomnography, respectively, excluding participants with psychiatric distress.

RESULTS

SB was associated with anxiety trait, whereas, AB was associated with state anxiety and depression. Moreover, AB was associated with neurotic personality, whereas SB was associated with conscientiousness.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that AB and SB may present different psychological and personality-related profiles. However, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether these associations have etiological or clinical relevance.