Final answer:
The role of self-concept in patient-centered relationships is pivotal, affecting patient perceptions and interactions with healthcare providers, influencing responses to treatment, and shaping the overall healthcare experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of self-concept in patient-centered relationships is significant as it affects how individuals perceive and interact with healthcare providers. Self-concept influences a patient's experience and engagement with healthcare services, shaping their illness experience and response to treatment. Cultural and individual personality factors contribute to shaping this self-concept, thus affecting a person's health-related beliefs and behaviors.
For instance, if a patient has a positive self-concept and believes in the effectiveness of a treatment, they may experience better health outcomes, a phenomenon known as the placebo effect. The social construction of illness is crucial, where patients control the disclosure of their diseases and adapt their lifestyle to cope with them. Carl Rogers's theory further elaborates on how the congruence between the ideal self and the real self contributes to self-worth and healthy living.