ON INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS OF FORMATION OF TRUST IN DOCTORS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC SOMATIC DISORDERS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of trust as an important psychological component of effective therapeutic interaction between a doctor and a patient, especially in the context of chronic somatic disorders that require long-term treatment and systematic medical support. Trust in medical professionals influences treatment adherence, emotional well-being, readiness for cooperation, and the overall effectiveness of medical care. The formation of trust depends not only on the professional competence of a physician but also on the individual psychological characteristics of patients, including emotional stability, self-esteem, interpersonal trust, locus of control, communicative competence, and previous medical experience.

The purpose of the study was to theoretically substantiate the individual psychological factors influencing the formation of trust in doctors and to empirically investigate their impact on the level of trust among patients with chronic somatic disorders. The following psychodiagnostic methods were applied in the research: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Rotter’s Locus of Control Questionnaire, Rempel and Holmes Interpersonal Trust Questionnaire, Mayer and Davis Physician Reliability and Competence Assessment Methodology, and the short version of the TIPI Big Five Inventory developed by S. Gosling.

The results of the study demonstrated that trust in doctors is a multidimensional psychological construct formed under the influence of emotional, cognitive, and personality-related factors. Higher levels of self-esteem, interpersonal trust, emotional stability, and internal locus of control contribute to the development of stronger therapeutic interaction and greater readiness for cooperation with physicians. Increased anxiety and negative previous medical experience reduce the level of trust and complicate communication with medical professionals. The findings also confirmed the importance of empathy, openness, emotional support, and effective communication in strengthening trust within the doctor–patient system.

The obtained results may be used in the development of psychological support programs and communication strategies aimed at improving the effectiveness of medical and psychological care for patients with chronic somatic disorders.