Abstract
Previous research in the health communication area has failed to investigate the relationship between patient age and preference for physician communication style. Varying combinations of two styles are explored: Information-dispensing strategies and affective strategies. Multiple comparison procedures indicate that style preferences differ significantly between age groups. While most patients prefer a high degree of both information and affect, older patients prefer a low-information/high affect strategy. Results may indicate the presence of receiver apprehension in elderly patients. Implications for the preparation of future physicians are explored and discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 147-158 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Educational Gerontology |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 2-3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1983 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Education
- Geriatrics and Gerontology