Brazilian Journal of Pain
https://brjp.org.br/article/doi/10.63231/2595-0118.202680-en
Brazilian Journal of Pain
Original Article

Relationship between mindfulness levels and temporomandibular disorder symptoms in university students

Relação entre os níveis de atenção plena e sintomas de disfunção temporomandibular em estudantes universitários

Marcelina Maria de Oliveira; George Azevedo Lemos; Sylvia de Araújo Paes Souza; Alysson de Albuquerque Calheiros; Pâmela Lopes Pedro da Silva

http://dx.doi.org/10.63231/2595-0118.202680-en BrJP, vol.9, e202680, 2026
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have a multifactorial etiology, including emotional factors. In this context, dispositional mindfulness may influence the perception of symptoms, especially pain-related symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between dispositional mindfulness levels and the severity of TMD symptoms in university students.

METHODS: Electronic questionnaires were administered to 360 students enrolled in 19 undergraduate programs at a university center in the northeastern Brazil. The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) was used to assess TMD symptoms, and the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-SF-BR) was used to evaluate dispositional mindfulness. Differences between groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Spearman correlation tests.

RESULTS: Individuals without TMD symptoms or with mild symptoms showed significantly higher total mindfulness scores compared to those with moderate or severe symptoms. Total mindfulness scores and the "describing", "acting with awareness", and "not judging" facets were significantly higher among individuals without treatment need. A negative correlation (-0.225) was observed between total mindfulness levels and total FAI scores.

CONCLUSION: A negative correlation was found between mindfulness and TMD symptoms, suggesting that dispositional mindfulness and its facets may influence the perception and intensity of TMD symptoms in university students.

Supplementary material

Keywords

Anxiety; Mindfulness; Psychological stress; Students; Temporomandibular joint disorders

Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM) apresentam etiologia multifatorial, incluindo fatores emocionais. Nesse contexto, os níveis de atenção plena (mindfulness disposicional) podem influenciar a percepção dos sintomas, especialmente aqueles relacionados à dor. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relação entre os níveis de atenção plena e a gravidade dos sintomas de DTM em estudantes universitários.

MÉTODOS: Questionários eletrônicos foram aplicados a 360 estudantes de 19 cursos de graduação de um centro universitário do Nordeste brasileiro. O Índice Anamnésico de Fonseca (IAF) foi utilizado para identificar os sintomas de DTM, e o Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire - Short Form (FFMQ-SF-BR), para avaliar os níveis de atenção plena. As diferenças entre os grupos foram analisadas por meio dos testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e correlação de Spearman.

RESULTADOS: Indivíduos sem sintomas de DTM ou com sintomas leves apresentaram escores estatisticamente mais elevados de atenção plena total quando comparados àqueles com sintomas moderados ou graves. Os escores de atenção plena total e das facetas "descrever", "agir com consciência" e "não julgar" foram significativamente mais elevados em indivíduos sem necessidade de tratamento. Observou-se correlação negativa (-0,225) entre os níveis de atenção plena total e o escore total do IAF.

CONCLUSÃO: Foi demonstrada uma correlação negativa entre atenção plena e sintomas de DTM, sugerindo que a atenção plena disposicional e suas facetas podem influenciar a percepção e a intensidade dos sintomas de DTM em estudantes universitários.

Material suplementar

Palavras-chave

Ansiedade; Atenção plena; Estresse psicológico; Estudantes; Transtornos da articulação temporomandibular

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Submitted date:
12/12/2025

Accepted date:
05/27/2026

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