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- Title
Non-verbal communication in meetings of psychiatrists and patients with schizophrenia.
- Authors
Lavelle, M.; Dimic, S.; Wildgrube, C.; McCabe, R.; Priebe, S.
- Abstract
Objective Recent evidence found that patients with schizophrenia display non-verbal behaviour designed to avoid social engagement during the opening moments of their meetings with psychiatrists. This study aimed to replicate, and build on, this finding, assessing the non-verbal behaviour of patients and psychiatrists during meetings, exploring changes over time and its association with patients' symptoms and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Method 40-videotaped routine out-patient consultations, involving patients with schizophrenia, were analysed. Non-verbal behaviour of patients and psychiatrists was assessed during three fixed, 2-min intervals using a modified Ethological Coding System for Interviews. Symptoms, satisfaction with communication and the quality of the therapeutic relationship were also measured. Results Over time, patients' non-verbal behaviour remained stable, whilst psychiatrists' flight behaviour decreased. Patients formed two groups based on their non-verbal profiles, one group ( n = 25) displaying pro-social behaviour, inviting interaction and a second ( n = 15) displaying flight behaviour, avoiding interaction. Psychiatrists interacting with pro-social patients displayed more pro-social behaviours ( P < 0.001). Patients' pro-social profile was associated reduced symptom severity ( P < 0.05), greater satisfaction with communication ( P < 0.001) and positive therapeutic relationships ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Patients' non-verbal behaviour during routine psychiatric consultations remains unchanged, and is linked to both their psychiatrist's non-verbal behaviour and the quality of the therapeutic relationship.
- Subjects
SCHIZOPHRENIA; ECHOLALIA; MEDICAL care; PSYCHIATRISTS; MENTAL illness; PSYCHIATRIST &; patient
- Publication
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 2015, Vol 131, Issue 3, p197
- ISSN
0001-690X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/acps.12319