Physicians have to walk a tough line when encouraging healthy behavior. Take Dr. J. She bikes to work, swims over lunch, jogs on the weekend and eats primarily veggies grown in her garden, supplemented by fish and poultry purchased at the local farmer’s market. Will she relate well with Ms. E, who favors fast food and sodas and eschews exercise in favor of television dramas?
It’s fairly obvious that their lifestyle differences could impair their relationship. But how can that gap be bridged? Stanford social psychology graduate student Lauren Howe and colleagues examined how doctors can frame their passion for personal health to help, rather than repel, their patients.
Researcher Lauren Howe is a 2014 Shaper Family Graduate Fellow, Psychology.
