Behavioral science involves the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. It includes fields like psychology which studies the mind, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Behavioral sciences help medical practitioners understand the mind-body connection regarding illness, how patients present symptoms, and influences on health. They allow for holistic care, better communication, treatment compliance, and doctor-patient relationships by providing insights into individual differences, behaviors in healthcare settings, and theories of behavior.

1. Behavioural and social Sciences
PMY 2455
S.CHUNGU
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2. Outline
• Introduction
• Definitions
• Role of behavioural science in medical
practice.
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3. Introduction
• The function and state of the mind is of
significant importance to the physical health
of an individual.
• Behavioural sciences provide a new way of
thinking about your own feelings, thoughts,
and actions and those of other persons.
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4. Behavioral sciences?
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5. Behavioral Science
• Behavioral science is any of the
disciplines dealing with the subject
of human actions.
• Science of human behaviour.
• Concerned with study, observation and
explanation of human behaviour either in
single individuals or in a group.
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6. • Study of individual differences in relation to
patient’s behaviour.
• Including among others is the field psychology.
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7. What is Psychology?
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8. • Comes from two Greek word.
– Psyche (Soul)
– Logos (rational course/study)
• Defined as the study of the mind.
– What is mind?
– How can it be studied?
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9. • Psychology is a scientific study of behaviour
and mental/cognitive processes.
• Psychology describes thinking and behaviour
and their relationship (what) and tries to
explain the cause (why).
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10. • Psychologists try to answer the what and why
to:
– Determine how people think
– How they act
– Why they do certain things
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11. • Three key terms in the definition of
psychology:
– Science
– Behaviour
– Mental processes
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12. • As a science
– Psychology uses systematic methods to observe,
describe, predict and explain behaviour.
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13. • Behaviour
– Actions/reactions of an organism in relation to the
environment.
– Any form of life activity.
– Everything we do that can be directly observed.
– Can be conscious or unconscious
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14. • Human behaviour can be influenced by:
– Culture
– Emotions
– Rapport
– Attitudes
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15. • Mental processes
– Thoughts, feelings, motives
– Experienced privately
– Cannot be observed directly
– Though they are not observable, they are real and
can affect one’s behaviours.
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16. Role of Behavioural Sciences in
Medical Practice
• It helps in understanding:
– Causes of illness (mind body interactions).
– Presentation of illness.
– Delivery of health care
• Planning for health care assessment and
treatment.
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17. • Understanding theories and methods of
behavioural sciences .
• Understanding a range of behaviours
occurring in health care setting.
• Adopt holistic approach to health care.
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18. • Plays a role in patient behaviour and
treatment compliance.
• Psychological tests help in diagnosis.
• Helps in communication.
• Understand uniqueness of individuals.
• Helps in creating a doctor-patient relationship.
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19. Summary
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