Non-verbal communication in meetings of psychiatrists and patients with schizophrenia

M. Lavelle*, S. Dimic, C. Wildgrube, R. Mccabe, S. Priebe

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)
17 Downloads (Pure)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-205
Number of pages9
JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica
Volume131
Issue number3
Early online date06 Aug 2014
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Mar 2015
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2014 The Authors.

Keywords

  • Ethological research
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychosis
  • Therapeutic relationship

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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