The current thesis aims to understand the role of the physician–patient relationship in the treatment of chronic health conditions, paying particular attention to patient perspectives. Although stronger physician–patient relationships have been consistently linked to improved patient outcomes such as adherence to treatment and satisfaction with care (Farin et al., 2013; Kersting, 2019; Orom et al., 2018), a clear conceptualisation of the physician–patient relationship is lacking as is the identification of the specific behavioural skills needed to build a physician–patient relationship (McCabe et al., 2018; Nowak, 2011). Additionally, the psychological mechanisms that underpin the connection between the physician–patient relationship and patient outcomes remain unclear. Lastly, much of the information known about forming strong physician–patient relationships is informed by researcher and practitioner perspectives and not those of patients themselves. [...]