Essential Psychology for Nurses and Other Health Professionals

by Russell; Graham

• ISBN13: 9780415188883
• ISBN10: 0415188881
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781134659227
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-02-10
• Publisher: Routledge
• More Book Details

Summary

This text examines the concepts which are fundamental to everyday nursing practice. Understanding how individuals function psychologically in health and illness is vital to providing appropriate care for all patients and clients. Assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, the author explores the basis of individual psychology focusing on personality traits, beliefs systems, body-image and self-esteem. Periods of illness are seen as psychologically demanding events which individuals cope with in different ways. The book considers how we recognize and interpret the signs and symptoms of illness in ourselves, what influences the decision to seek help and whether or not we comply with advice from health professionals. The contribution of psychological factors to physical wellbeing is also examined and the link between psychological theory and patient care is examined throughout the book.With scenarios and questions to help the reader apply the concepts to nursing practice Essential Psychology for Nurses provides an excellent introduction to the subject for pre-registration students and those studying psychological concepts in relation to health care.

Author Biography

Graham Russell is a Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology at Plymouth University and a qualified nurse.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations	ix	(2)
Preface	xi	(1)
Acknowledgements	xii	(1)
How to use this book	xiii
Part one UNDERSTANDING OURSELVES AND OTHERS	1	(48)
1 Self-awareness and reflective practice	3	(7)
2 The self-system	10	(11)
3 The development of the self in childhood	21	(12)
Focus on clinical practice: children's reactions to separation	24	(9)
4 Evaluating and protecting the self	33	(16)
Part two REACTIONS TO CHANGE, CHALLENGING EVENTS AND LOSS	49	(58)
5 Stress, appraisal and coping	51	(10)
6 Anxiety in clinical practice	61	(13)
7 Anger and aggression in clinical practice	74	(5)
8 Depression in clinical practice	79	(14)
Focus on clinical practice: the myth of ageing and inevitable decline	87	(6)
9 Dying, bereavement and loss	93	(14)
Part three PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING HEALTH	107	(32)
10 Health protective behaviour	109	(16)
Focus on clinical practice: quality of life	121	(4)
11 Compliance and non-compliance with medical advice	125	(14)
Part four PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGY: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MIND AND BODY	139	(38)
12 Psycho-physiological reactions to acute and chronic stress	141	(11)
Focus on clinical practice: stress and self-awareness	148	(4)
13 Personality type and disease	152	(9)
14 Psychological perspectives on pain	161	(16)
Part five APPLYING PSYCHOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE	177	(18)
15 Building and applying a psychological framework in clinical practice	179	(16)
Glossary	195	(14)
References	209	(16)
Index	225