“Enough about Me, Let’s Get Back to You”: Physician Self-disclosure during Primary Care Encounters

Diane S. Morse, University of Rochester
Susan H. McDaniel, University of Rochester
Lucy M. Candib, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Mary Catherine Beach, Johns Hopkins University

Abstract

Although the medical profession frowns on physicians who tell patients about their own health problems (self-disclosure), the practice is probably common. The authors use simulated dialogue and draw on theory and evidence to discuss the effectiveness of physician self-disclosure and offer recommendations for improving or replacing self-disclosure.