Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

UAF Access Only - Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Psychological Science

Advisor/Mentor

Ana Bridges

Committee Member

Kate Walker

Second Committee Member

Mack Ivey

Third Committee Member

Faith Lessner

Abstract

Provider-patient communication is an important aspect of health care that can lead to better health outcomes. Communication styles can be considered along a continuum, from patient-centered communication (PCC) to doctor-centered communication (DCC). Utilization of different communication styles are known to be influenced by gender, with female patients seeing more PCC in their visits than their male counterparts. Previous literature established that patient satisfaction scores are directly related to PCC usage; however, it is unknown how the variable of patient gender influences this relationship. This study aims to examine the moderating effect of patient gender on visit satisfaction when primary care physicians utilize different communication styles. Participants were University of Arkansas students who had a primary care visit in the past six months. Students were recruited from introductory psychology courses and asked to complete an online survey measuring provider communication style and visit satisfaction. Data analysis involved plotting participants’ communication style and satisfaction scores and conducting a multiple linear regressions test. Findings suggest higher satisfaction with visits where providers used more PCC than DCC. Patient gender has no moderating effect on satisfaction with physician communication styles. Results have implications for medical professionals’ training and treatment of patients.

Keywords

patient-centered communication; patient-centered care; patient satisfaction; gender differences; provider-patient interaction; primary care

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