The association of physician socio-communicative style with physician credibility and patient satisfaction

• Published in: Communication research reports Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 207 - 215
• Main Authors: Richmond, Virginia P., Smith, Ralph S., Heisel, Alan D., McCroskey, James C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.06.2002
• ISSN: 0882-4096; 1746-4099
• DOI: 10.1080/08824090209384849

This study examined the relationships of physician socio-communicative style variables (assertiveness and responsiveness) with patients' perceptions of the physician's credibility (competence, trustworthiness, goodwill/caring) and patients' satisfaction with their physician and the quality of medical care they received. Results indicated that both dimensions of socio-communicative style were associated with all dimensions of physician credibility, that physician credibility was highly associated with patients' satisfaction, and that responsiveness was highly associated with patient satisfaction. Results are interpreted as supporting the underlying theory of socio-communicative style and indicating that socio-communicative style is an important component of physician-patient communication.