OBJECTIVE This study analyzes the psychological variables of distress, personality, and coping that are related to the diagnosis based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for temporomandibular disorder. Study design An age and sex-matched controlled study conducted with a convenience sample (n=89) in a tertiary care facility. RESULTS The MANCOVA between the muscular (n=47), articular (n=42), and control groups (n=100) showed that the muscular group differed from the control group, obtaining higher levels of distress, anxiety, and depression, and minor use of positive reinterpretation and humor as coping strategies; the articular group also showed higher distress, less positive reinterpretation, and a lower interest in the search of instrumental social support than the control group. The coping predictor of distress in both temporomandibular groups was behavioral disengagement; however, the personality predictors differed. Neuroticism and depression were present in the muscular group, whereas conscientiousness and self-discipline were in the articular group. CONCLUSIONS Temporomandibular disorder patients have different psychological features than control subjects. There are also some differences between the diagnostic groups that should be considered to address the treatment of these patients.