The Influence of Medical Orientation on Perceived Physician Credibility

Abstract

This study assessed whether two medical orientations of physicians—biomedical vs biopsychosocial—influenced individuals’ perceptions of physician credibility. Participants read a vignette describing a physician communicating either a predominantly biomedical or a predominantly biopsychosocial orientation and then completed the Measure of Source Credibility in reference to the physician. Results indicate that physicians who display a biopsychosocial orientation were rated higher in perceived competence, character, and caring. Future researchers should address various effects of the medical context on physician credibility and how patients’ preferences regarding physicians’ medical orientation influence choice of and communication with physicians, patient satisfaction, and compliance.

Keywords:

• Physician Credibility
• Biopsychosocial
• Biomedical

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maria Brann

Maria Brann (PhD, University of Kentucky, 2003) is an Assistant Professor