Exploring the Relationship Between Pediatrician Self-Disclosure and Parent Satisfaction

Abstract

Patient satisfaction is a frequently explored outcome in physician–patient communication research. One variable that may influence patient satisfaction, but that has not been extensively explored, is physician self-disclosure (SD). This study examined the effect of pediatrician SD on parent satisfaction in the context of a “sick child” office visit. Results showed that parents were more satisfied with visits in which pediatricians self-disclosed than with those in which pediatricians did not self-disclose. Implications of the study's results and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Parent Satisfaction
• Physician–Patient Communication
• Physician Self-Disclosure

This research was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gretchen Norling Holmes

Gretchen Norling Holmes (PhD, University of Kentucky, 2003) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Arts at the University of West Florida.

Nancy Grant Harrington

Nancy Grant Harrington (PhD, University of Kentucky, 1992) is a professor and chair in the Department of Communication at the University of Kentucky.

Adam J. Parrish

Adam J. Parrish (MA, University of West Florida, 2009) is a doctoral student in the Department of Communication at the University of Kentucky.