Qualitative study on parental behavior as the source of dental fear development as reported by preschool students in Bandung

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the contribution of parental behavior in DF development in preschoolchildren and seek its correlation with the level of DF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was addressed to preschoolchildren (3–6 years) in Bandung area using qualitative method through interviews with children. Data analysis was done using Spearman's rank correlation to find the correlation of parental behavior and level of DF. RESULTS: Results revealed eight acquisition themes based on the parental behavior; two themes related to negative information, three themes related to direct conditioning, and three themes related to vicarious learning. Statistical analysis showed a significant Spearman rank correlation r(s) 0.42% or 17.38% (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Parental behavior contributes to the development of DF in children at preschool ages through negative information, direct conditioning, and vicarious learning, as evidenced by the correlation of these parental behaviors with the level of DF in children.