Using a Foreign Language Changes Medical Judgments of Preventative Care

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Medical Decision-Making
• Bilingualism Research

Background:

• Multilingual individuals frequently make critical health decisions in a non-native language.
• Understanding how language influences these decisions is crucial for effective healthcare communication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of native vs. non-native language use on healthcare decision-making.
• To examine how language affects the perception of risks and willingness to accept preventative care.

Main Methods:

• Bilingual participants evaluated medical scenarios in either their native or non-native language.
• Evaluations included perceived negativity of adverse effects and willingness to undergo preventative treatment.
• Objective population risks for disease and treatment complications were provided.

Main Results:

• Foreign language use led to lower perceived negativity of disease symptoms and treatment side effects.
• Participants using a foreign language were more likely to consider objective medical risks.
• Language significantly altered the evaluation of consequences for accepting or declining preventative care.

Conclusions:

• The language used for medical information influences risk perception and decision-making regarding preventative care.
• Findings have significant implications for healthcare providers and patients navigating medical choices in a non-native language.