Ethics & Law · single question
A patient is afraid of the dentist because of a traumatic dental experience in childhood. This psychological phenomenon is best described as:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Transference
✓ A) Transference is correct.
Transference occurs when a patient transfers feelings, expectations, and reactions from a past relationship (e.g., a traumatic childhood dentist) onto the current dentist. The patient may react to the current dentist as if they were the past dentist. Projection = attributing one's own feelings to others. PTSD = a broader anxiety disorder from trauma. This scenario specifically describes an emotional transfer from a past dental experience to the current provider.
Transference occurs when a patient transfers feelings, expectations, and reactions from a past relationship (e.g., a traumatic childhood dentist) onto the current dentist. The patient may react to the current dentist as if they were the past dentist. Projection = attributing one's own feelings to others. PTSD = a broader anxiety disorder from trauma. This scenario specifically describes an emotional transfer from a past dental experience to the current provider.