Predicting levels of preventive dental behaviors.

This study examined the value of SLT as a model for predicting levels of dental hygiene behaviors. The brushing and flossing frequency of 131 adults was measured both retrospectively (via questionnaire) and prospectively (via self-monitoring records). Two types of SLT variables--expectations and environmental influences--were reliably related to dental hygiene behaviors. Such variables (for example, self-efficacy expectations and the dental behaviors of significant others) accounted for up to 38% of the variance in brushing frequency and 33% of the variance in flossing frequency. Overall, a SLT model appears to hold promise for identifying psychosocial variables that are related to dental hygiene behaviors. The findings suggest that educational programs intended to increase the frequency of such behaviors should focus on increasing self-efficacy, reducing structural and life-style barriers to adherence, and involving significant others in educational efforts.