Perceived Information Exchange and Health Control Expectancies as Influenced by a Patient's Medical Interview Situation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how a patient's medical interview situation influences the relationship between the health locus of control and information exchange. Participants included 537 people who completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale and the patient version of the Medical Communication Competence Scale in reference to their last health care visit. The results indicated that the situation surrounding the medical interview influenced the relationship between the health locus of control and information exchange.

Keywords:

• Control expectancies
• Health locus of control
• Information exchange
• Medical interview
• Supportive communication

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Theodore A. Avtgis

Theodore A. Avtgis (Ph.D., Kent State University, 1999) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication Studies, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

Maria Brann

Maria Brann (Ph.D., University of Kentucky, 2003) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

Sydney M. Staggers

Sydney Staggers is a graduate student in the Department of Health Communication, Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts.