City Research Online

"Trust me...": Psychological and behavioral predictors of perceived physician empathy

Silvester, J., Patterson, F., Koczwara, A. & Ferguson, E. (2007). "Trust me...": Psychological and behavioral predictors of perceived physician empathy. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(2), pp. 519-527. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.92.2.519

Abstract

A sociocognitive model of distal and proximal predictors of empathic judgments was tested among 100 physicians. The authors hypothesized that physician perceived control would affect empathy ratings via physician communication style. Specifically, physicians with high perceived control would use more open communication and be rated as more empathic. Physicians with low perceived control would use a controlling communication style and be rated as less empathic. Physicians completed a medical attribution questionnaire prior to a structured patient consultation exercise, during which patients and assessors rated physician empathy. The exercise was audiotaped, transcribed, and content analyzed for verbal behaviors. Support was found for the hypotheses; however, patients, but not medical assessors, associated empathy with reassurance and provision of medical information.

Publication Type: Article
Publisher Keywords: empathy, physician, communication, patient judgment, PATIENT SATISFACTION, HELPING-BEHAVIOR, GENERAL-PRACTICE, COMMUNICATION, ATTRIBUTIONS, PERFORMANCE, HEALTH, ISSUES, STYLE
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Departments: School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Psychology
SWORD Depositor:
[thumbnail of Silvester et al (2007) Trust me.pdf]
Preview
PDF
Download (202kB) | Preview

Export

Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

Actions (login required)

Admin Login Admin Login