An introduction to Psychology PDF

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Psychology introduction ...

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An introduction to Psychology, Mental Health and Attachment Psychology Definition: ‘The study of human behaviour, thought processes and emotions’

Various areas: - Developmental - Cognitive - Social - Humanistic Developmental: - Focuses on the psychological changes that occur from birth to adulthood - Might include language development, moral understanding, behaviour, forming identity Cognitive: - Study of mental processes; including memory, perception and info processing - Based on the belief that behaviour is determined by how individuals think about themselves and he world around - CBT often used Social: - Focuses on understanding what people do in everyday social setting - Topics of interest include; how social situations may influence attitudes, prejudice, relationships, group behaviour, conformity Humanistic: - Views humans as essentially positive beings with capacity for free will, individual choice and determining their own purpose in life - Based on the notion that all human needs other than physiological and safety needs are psychological in nature (Maslow, 1943)

MASLOW

WHY PSYCHOLOGY IS IMPORTANT WITHIN THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT - Psychological care is a part of HOLISTIC caring that responds to a patient’s needs - To appreciate how people’s understanding and needs are unique - As nurses we can ensure that individualised care is both appropriate and optimal - Need to feel safe, stimulated, loved and accepted - Consider social support for a patient with a mental health problem- to promote recovery - Factors that influence people’s lifestyle choices e.g. smoking, diet and exercise What psychological reactions may a patient experience when he/she is admitted to hospital? - Anxiety - Stress / worry - Relief - Panic attack - Anger - Upset - Scared - Vulnerable / embarrassed - Nervous - Distressed for being in hospital and with treatments - Altered self imagine - Tearful - Impact on partners/family members Positive effects - Increased feelings of safety - Reduced psychological distress e.g. anxiety, stress - Improved recovery rates - Shorter hospital stays (Priest, 2012) Mental health Definition: ‘A state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her or his community’ (WHO, 2014) MENTAL HEALTH IMPORTANCE - Be able to form relationships, interact, enjoy life, earn a living, ability to think

A combination of biological, psychological and social factors determine the level of mental health of a person at any given point in time - E.g. biological- genetics, psychological and social- environment, may still feel lonely in a group, retirement (WHO, 2014) -

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There is ‘No Health Without Mental Health (DOH, 2011) ‘5 year Forward View for Mental Health (DOH, 2016)

Ways nurses can be involved in promoting good mental health? - Activities – mental health nurse- involve family - Promote coping strategies - Building a relationship - Grief intervention - Mental health promotional activities in schools / colleges - Anti-stigma and anti-discrimination campaigns - Mental health interventions in the workplace (e.g. stress prevention) - Social support for older adults (befriending initiatives) Attachment Attachment= - Refers to the strong emotional bond- formed with the principal caregiver in infancy and remains lifelong Bowlby (1969)- who noted that human babies exhibit a number of behaviours with adults in order to meet their needs- e.g. crying, smiling, eye contact and being clingy Types: - Secure- the child uses parent as safe base for exploration - Avoidant – the child avoids physical contact with others – plays with toys and is unaffected by the parents whereabouts - Ambivalent- the child protests strongly upon separation but at the same time- may struggle against parent- will appear angry Impact of attachment on parenting and child development - Relationships within the home offer a template for the development of future behaviours and interpersonal relationships - Attachment will influence the cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural development of children - Research suggests that children are brought up in families that provide emotional warmth and authoritative parenting – less likely to engage in antisocial or delinquent behaviour (Walker et al, 2012) Authoritative parents: set reasonable standards firmly and consistently without the need for physical punishment

Authoritarian parents: expect obedience, show less warmth often use physical punishment Permissive parents: Make little attempt to regulate the child’s behaviour. Make few demands on the child Uninvolved parents: Show little regard for the child’s well-being or behaviour Attachment and adolescence - Having emotionally warm and involved parents has been shown to be important in protecting against adolescent depression - Authoritative parenting linked to reduced risk taking, resisting negative peer pressure and higher levels of independence - Higher levels of self-esteem, self-confidence and achievement

Attachment and adults - It is suggested that the attachment system of infancy continues to influence thoughts, feelings and behaviours into adulthood - A securely attached child (and later adult) will develop core assumptions and beliefs that others should be dependable and trustworthy and thus expect this in adult relationships As student nurses, you may witness patterns of behaviour in patients that exhibit secure or insecure attachment styles and how this impacts upon the relationship they form with you SUMMARY:  Psychology is defined as the study of thoughts, feelings and behaviours  Psychological schools of thought include: developmental, social, cognitive and humanistic approaches which are important to acknowledge to ensure the effective delivery of person-centred care  Good mental health is determined by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors  Attachment refers to bonds formed in childhood which continue into adulthood and impacts upon mental health, coping behaviours and relationships with others...