Abstract
This study investigated whether state communication apprehension (CA) with physicians, for high CA patients, can be reduced before consultations by manipulating information found within physicians’ online biographies. Participants were presented with three experimentally manipulated physician biographies and asked to choose which physician they would want to visit to get a hypothetical ailment checked out. Guided by uncertainty reduction theory, results support a path model where increases in perceived similarities between a patient and doctor led to greater uncertainty reduction, greater liking, and subsequent reductions in CA with the physician for high CA participants. In addition, the majority of participants decided to visit the physician with whom they perceived the greatest similarity. The importance of reducing CA in the medical context is discussed, as well as theoretical implications for communication researchers. The results also provide practical guidance for health care systems to help improve their current physician biographical offerings available to prospective patients.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
