2. DEFINITION
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior, according to american
psychological association. It is the study of the mind, how it works, and how it
affects behavior.
3. Meaning of psychology
First stage> “study of soul”
Second stage> “study of mind”
Third stage> “study of consciousness”
4. Origin of psychology
The word psychology is originally derived from two Greek words i.e.; 'psycho’
and logos’. 'psycho’meaning ‘soul’ and 'logos’ meaning study. So, originally
psychology means the study of soul or science of the soul.
5. As a science of behavior
It is the latest meaning of psychology. Psychology tells us about our behavior.
Behavior includes all the activities that man does. It includes internal and
external behavior, conscious as well as unconscious behavior. Behavior can be
observed. All psychologists are agreed on this meaning of psychology.
6. Early schools of thought
Structuralism
Functionalism
Gestalt psychology
Behaviorism
psychoanalysis
Humanistic psychology
Cognitive psychology
7. Structuralism
Regarded as the first school of thought in psychology
Focused on breaking down mental processes into most basic components
Major thinkers
1. Wilhelm Wundt
2. Edward titchener
Techniques> introspection to analyze the inner processes of the human mind.
8. Functionalism
Formed as reaction to the structuralism school of thought
Influenced by the work of William James
It functioned on the minds functions and adoptions
Not associated with a single dominant theorist
Major thinkers including John Dewey , James Rowland Angles , Harvey Carr
9. Gestalt psychology
Based upon the idea that we experience things as unified holes
Began in Germany and Austria during the late nineteenth century
In response to the molecular approach of structuralism
10. Behaviorism
Dominant school of thought during the ninteen fifty’s
Based upon the work of thinkers such as John B Watson , Ivan Pavlov ,
B.F.Skinner
All behavior can be explained by environmental causes rather than by internal
forces
Focused on observe able behavior
11. Psychoanalysis
Founded by Sigmund Freud
Emphasized the influence of the unconscious mind on behavior
Psychological problems rooted in conflicts between the conscious and
unconscious mind
Personality development is heavely influenced by the events of early
childhood
14. Humanistic psychology
Developed as response to psychoanalysis and behaviorism
Focused on individual free will, personal growth and concept of self
actualization
Emphasis on helping people achieve and full fill their potential
Major thinkers Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers
15. Congnitive psychology
Studies mental processes including how people think, perceive, remember
and learn
Emerge during the ninteen fifty’s response to behaviorism
Influential theories of this school of thought was the stages of congnitive
development theory proposed by jean Piaget
39. The application of psychology in nursing
Better Interactions with patients
Following psychology best practices can help you more successfully treat patients
of various ages, genders, and backgrounds. For instance, children might feel
fearful of interacting with adults they don’t know, so you can leverage
psychology to make your young patient feel more comfortable.
40. Proper patient assessments
Sometimes, patients struggle to find the right words to communicate how they’re
feeling. Or they might even try to hide how they’re actually coping with a
diagnosis. It’s important that you can evaluate the emotional state of your
patients. This helps you make more educated decisions regarding their
treatment.
41. More efficient care plans
Different emotions, like anxiety and depression, can impact a patient’s physical
recovery. Stress can raise blood pressure, apathy can hinder treatment, and
misery can cause insomnia.
For example, on the surface, a patient with high blood pressure seems to just
need medication for blood pressure. But their anxiety might be the primary
cause behind the high vital sign.
42. Stronger communication skills
Knowing how to address and respond to sick patients is an important quality that
nurses must possess, and it requires an understanding of psychology.
For instance, if a patient is in pain, they might grow agitated. You’ll want to do
what you can to ease the pain while calming the patient in a non-hostile manner.
Or perhaps your patient is anxious about an upcoming procedure. You’ll want to
clearly communicate what they should expect in a way that eases their worry
and offers support.