For this Discussion, you will explore how social and behavioral theories apply in a clinical setting by analyzing a case study.

To prepare:

With information from this week’s Learning Resources in mind, reflect on the influence of sociological and behavioral factors on health.

Read the case study of the woman admitted for a mastectomy presented on page 328, #3 of the course text Theoretical Basis for Nursing. Consider which concepts from sociological and/or behavioral theories could be used in nursing practice for addressing the patient’s health care needs. Conduct additional research as necessary using credible websites and the Walden library. Also consider how these theories are used in your own clinical practice.

Write 2 pages on the following:

1) What concepts from the various theories could be used in planning the 65-year-old woman’s care?

2) How might her care be changed if the woman were 25 years old or 45 years old?

3) How have social psychology theories been used in promoting breast cancer awareness? Provide at least one example to support your response.

4) How have social psychology theories been used in your clinical practice area? Provide at least one example to support your response.

References

Required Readings

McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

Chapter 13, “Theories From the Sociologic Sciences”

Chapter 14, “Theories From the Behavioral Sciences”

Carnegie, E., & Kiger, A. (2009). Being and doing politics: An outdated model or 21st century reality? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(9), 1976–1984. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05084.x

Conrad, P., & Barker, K. (2010). The social construction of illness: Key Insights and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior: Special Issue, 51, S67–S79. doi: 10.1177/0022146510383495

Ford, C. L., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2010). Critical race theory, race equity, and public health: Toward antiracism praxis. American Journal of Public Health, 100(S1), S30–S35. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.171058 Psychosocial Theories in Nursing Essay

ADDITIONAL INFO 

Psychosocial Theories in Nursing

Introduction

The field of nursing has grown to help people who are sick and in need of social support. This growth is due in part to the array of psychosocial theories that have been developed over time. These theories can be applied to any aspect of nursing and are helpful for nurses who want to understand how their patients’ behavior relates to their mental health needs.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a theory of motivation. It was developed by Abraham Maslow in 1943, and it has been applied to nursing research since the 1960s. The theory states that human beings have five basic needs:

• Physiological needs (food, water, shelter)

• Safety needs (safety from physical harm)

• Love and belongingness (aka attachment)

• Self-esteem/self-actualization

Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development

Erikson’s psychosocial theory is based on the idea that each stage of development represents a crisis or challenge to be mastered. The first four stages focus on children and adolescents, while the later six deal with adults. The first age group to develop psychosocial theories was that of infancy; this was followed by adolescence, which then gave way to adulthood as an extension of childhood. There are eight stages:

• Trust vs Mistrust (1-2 years old)

• Initiative vs Guilt (2-3 years old)

• Industry vs Inferiority (3-5 years old)

• Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt (6-10 years old)

• Industry Vs Inferiority (11-15 years old)

• Identity v Stagnation(16+ years old).

Schutz’s Interpersonal Relations Theory

The interpersonal relations theory of nursing is based on the idea that people are motivated to form and maintain relationships with others. The theory is based on the idea that people have a need for intimacy, which is defined as a close, personal relationship with another person.

Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory

Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory is based on the premise that people are attracted to each other because of their similarities. As you have probably noticed, some couples get along really well, whereas others do not. The reason for this may be due to physical attraction or personality traits.

In order for a relationship to work out well, both partners need to be open-minded and willing to compromise with each other; otherwise there will be conflict and eventually divorce (or worse—a break-up). The same can be said about friendships between friends: if one friend enjoys spending time with another person but then finds them boring after awhile, they might decide not bother hanging out anymore because they don’t want anything bad happening between them two! This leads us back full circle where we started…

Conclusion

To sum up, there are many theories that can be used to help nurses understand their patients and their needs. The most important thing is to choose one that works best for you and your patient.