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When we visit a psychiatrist, what matters most is that they are skilled at their job. What the man or woman in question is wearing shouldn’t really matter, right?
However, recent research shows that we are actually quite critical of a psychiatrist’s appearance. Their clothing style, for instance, influences how we perceive them. This article tells you all about it.
Research shows: we don’t like to see a psychiatrist in casual clothing
Researchers at the University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven studied in 2022 how psychiatrists’ clothing is perceived. Thirty-five psychiatrists, 108 inpatients, and 143 respondents participated in the study. Participants were shown several photos of psychiatrists in different styles of clothing. They then filled out questionnaires to rate their impressions of the psychiatrists. The psychiatrists themselves were also asked for their opinions.
The research showed that both minors and adults prefer psychiatrists to wear formal clothing, a preference shared by the psychiatrists themselves. Older patients find a neat outfit pleasant but prefer the white coat. The reason is that formal clothing and a white coat project a competent appearance. A psychiatrist in casual clothing was seen as approachable but perceived as less competent than one in formal attire or a white coat.
Casual clothing as the norm
We live in an era where casual clothing is the standard. On the other hand, work—even in healthcare—remains a professional environment.
Reading these research findings reminded me of an interview with neuromarketing expert Chantal van den Berg. Although this discussion was primarily about why we find people in uniforms appealing, she also explained why we associate certain clothing with specific character traits. From a young age, we’re taught to have respect for people in uniforms. This is partly because our parents and grandparents traditionally respected certain professions, like doctors and police officers. This respect is then passed down to us.
Clothing influences our behavior
Uniforms also influence behavior. Various studies have shown that people display different qualities depending on the clothing they wear. For instance, we tend to be more creative when we wear a coat meant for artists, while a doctor’s coat makes us more analytical. This phenomenon is known as enclothed cognition.
While casual clothing is very popular today, I’m not surprised that formal clothing and white coats remain favored in healthcare. Ultimately, our associations with certain attire are stronger than the trends suggest.
Do you also prefer to see a psychiatrist in formal clothing?
Best regards,
Aileen