Perceived Attributes of the Terms Client, Patient, and Typical Person.
Helping professionals most commonly refer to seekers of counseling services as clients or as patients. However, little has been known of the implied meanings of each of those labels. In this study, client, patient, and typical person were compared using semantic differential-type scales and the Personal Attribute Inventory. Although client and patient were each evaluated more negatively than was typical person, no significant differences were found between client and patient.