Open AccessThe Expression of Emotion Through Nonverbal Behavior in Medical Visits
Author(s) -
Roter Debra L.,
Frankel Richard M.,
Hall Judith A.,
Sluyter David
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00306.x
Subject(s) - nonverbal communication , feeling , medicine , perception , context (archaeology) , expression (computer science) , emotional expression , psychology , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , social psychology , paleontology , neuroscience , computer science , biology , programming language
Relationship‐centered care reflects both knowing and feeling: the knowledge that physician and patient bring from their respective domains of expertise, and the physician's and patient's experience, expression, and perception of emotions during the medical encounter. These processes are conveyed and reciprocated in the care process through verbal and nonverbal communication. We suggest that the emotional context of care is especially related to nonverbal communication and that emotion‐related communication skills, including sending and receiving nonverbal messages and emotional self‐awareness, are critical elements of high ‐ quality care. Although nonverbal behavior has received far less study than other care processes, the current review argues that it holds significance for the therapeutic relationship and influences important outcomes including satisfaction, adherence, and clinical outcomes of care.