Abstract

The patient-physician relationship is established when a doctor provides care for their patient. This interpersonal interaction consists of perspectives on health issues, treatment plans, confidentiality, and support. Trust is also a component of the patient-physician relationship. Existing findings show that patient-physician trust is critical for achieving compliance and higher satisfaction rates with medical care (Cohen, 2002). Previous studies have investigated the physician's emotional intelligence as a factor in patient-physician trust, as well as the health locus of control on outlook, religious viewpoints on patient outcomes, and vulnerable attachment styles on the patient trust of the patients in determining the patient-physician trust. However, this study addresses the collective role of these variables from the patient's perspective in the patient-physician relationship. Past literature focuses on the physician's perspective and health outcomes. This study aims to understand how college students as patients view their relationship with their physicians. Consistent with existing literature, it was concluded that higher scores on emotional intelligence, internal health locus of control, and ease of vulnerability were associated with higher levels of patient-physician trust. However, a significant association between religious locus of control and patient-physician trust was not found. These findings regarding patients from the population of college students can inform college administrators to develop and implement plans to enhance the quality of care that physicians provide for college students. Further research can then be conducted to optimize these factors and ultimately improve the patient-physician relationship.

Thesis Completion

2022

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Ghiasinejad, Shahram

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-15-2022

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