Stigma and Trust in a Physician’s Confidentiality: An Extension of Modified Labeling Theory

• In Event: 449 - Section on Sociology of Mental Health Paper Session. Coping, Recovery and Mental Health Services

Abstract

Trust in a physician has received tremendous attention for understanding patient outcomes, yet little is known about one dimension: trust in a physician’s confidentiality. We extend modified labeling theory to hypothesize about stigma’s role in shaping this trust dimension. We propose that patients with certain stigmatizing health conditions (e.g., depression, chronic depression) that compel them to endorse a secrecy coping orientation are likely to have low trust in a physician’s confidentiality. An analysis of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study supports our hypotheses that: 1) respondents reporting depressive symptomatology have significantly lower trust in a physician’s confidentiality than in any other trust dimension; and 2) reports of chronic depressive symptomatology – defined as reports over two survey years – significantly lowers trust in a physician’s confidentiality. We discuss the findings within the context of an evolving health care system that encourages information sharing across numerous providers.

Authors

• Celeste Campos-Castillo, Dartmouth College

• Denise L. Anthony, Dartmouth College