It has been shown that cognitive vulnerability-related perceptions in adolescents are
positively correlated with their levels of dental anxiety. Vulnerability perceptions
have also been shown to mediate the relationship between negative dental
experiences and dental anxiety 69. A cognitive vulnerability is an erroneous belief,
or pattern of thought, that predisposes an individual to psychological problems. After
the individual has encountered a stressful experience, his/her cognitive vulnerability
contributes to a maladaptive response that increases the likelihood of a psychological
disorder 70.