Psychology

1. RMS 230: PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY FOR NURSING
GROUP 5B:
Carol Mueni – R30/1401/2022
Paul Musyoka – R30/1409/2022
Abigael Mashud - R30S/14473/2021
Everlyne M. Mwei – R30S/11902/2022
Felicity Odongo – R30S/11566/2022
Joy Musau – R30S/11332/2022
Eunice Kamphonje – R30F/19029/2020
Mary Waititu – R30S/11567/2022
Mercy Musundi – R30S/12052/2022
Florence Akello – R30S/14551/2021
ASSIGNMENT 1:
How nurses can explain a patient’s behavior using;
HUMANISTIC PERSPECTIVE

2. INTRODUCTION
 Perspective is a person’s own point of view.
 Humanistic perspective is the study of human experience,
consciousness and personal growth.
 According the American Psychological Association, it is the
assumption that people are essentially good and constructive, have a
tendency towards self-actualization which is self-inherent and given
the proper environment, humans will develop to their full potential.
 It evaluates individuals as a whole rather than looking at them only
through a smaller aspect of their person.
 The humanistic perspective in nursing is often associated with
theorists who provide a holistic understanding of patient behavior
as explained below:

3. Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
 Proponent: Abraham Maslow.
 Meaning: It explains human behavior based on a hierarchical arrangement of
fundamental needs.
It suggests that people strive for self-actualization, fulfilling their potential and
becoming the best version of themselves.
 Features:
 This hierarchical order of needs begins with the most basic needs to more
advanced needs which are:
1. Physiological needs - are at the base of the pyramid and include those that are
vital to survival. For example; basic requirements of nutrition, air, temperature
regulation and physiological needs like shelter and clothing.
2. Safety needs – include safety and security which are; financial stability,
health, wellness and safety from accidents and injury.
3. Social needs – involves the need for love, acceptance and belonging. At this
level, the need for emotional relationships drives human behavior. It includes:
friendships, romantic attachments, community and religious organizations.

4. 4. Esteem needs – involves the need for appreciation and recognition from other
people. These include feelings of accomplishment, competence, self-confidence
and gaining respect of others.
5. Self- Actualization – at the peak and represents the desire to become the most
that one can be. Self-actualizing people are self-aware, concerned with personal
growth, less concerned with the opinions of others and interested in fulfilling their
potential.
 Theoretical underpinning
 Based on the fact that humans are motivated by their needs such that if some
are unmet then they might be unable to progress to meet the others.
 How it explains behavior
 It explains behavior in the context of unmet needs. For example, a patient who
is uncommunicative may be struggling with unmet esteem needs while another
who expresses interest in joining a rehabilitation programme to manage his or
her health condition is driven by a need of personal development

6. Rollo May's existential anxiety theory.
 Focuses on the meaning and purpose behind human existence and
how human thoughts and behavior are shaped by the knowledge of
temporary existence.
 It takes the belief of humans being unique then combines them with
philosophical ideas of existence so that the focus is on wellbeing and
on finding one’s path in life and fulfillment.
Proponent - Rollo May.
Meaning- freedom is important in human existence and with free
will people develop anxiety of the unknown.
Features - recognizes anxiety and guilt important in human
existence.

7. Theoretical underpinning-
 Suggests that learning to overcome anxiety is necessary for personal
growth and meaning in life .Human beings need to confront their
anxiety and embrace their freedom in order to find meaning and
purpose.
 Additionally, guilt arises when individuals violate their own values
or values of society. It is argued that guilt is a necessary part of
human experience as it allows individuals to recognise
shortcomings and work towards self improvement.
How it explains behaviour -
 One can consider how a person's behaviour can be influenced by
existential anxiety . For example, a patient refusing a certain
medical procedure may be expressing fear of unknown mortality.

8. VICTOR’S FRANK LOGOTHERAPY
Proponent: Victor Frankl, a renowned neurologist and psychiatrist.
Meaning: Emphasizes that the primary motivational force in
humans is the search for meaning in life.
In the nursing context, meaning is found in the unique values, beliefs
and personal goals of each patient.
Features:
1. Individual exploration; Logotherapy encourages caregivers to
explore each patient’s values and explorations tailoring care to their
unique needs.
2. Responsibility and freedom; Logotherapy emphasizes personal
responsibility and freedom empowering patients to actively engage in
their own care and decision making.
3. Meaning-centered care; Nursing practices are designed to enhance
the patient’s sense of purpose contributing to overall well-being of the
patient.

9. Theoretical underpinning;
 Logotherapy is grounded in existential psychology, which focuses on
the human experiences and the quest for meaning.
 The theory suggests that individuals are motivated by a desire to find
purpose and significance in their lives. This guides caregivers to
address patient’s existential concerns.
Explanation of human behavior;
 Logotherapy explains human behavior by highlighting the centrality
of the search for meaning.
 In nursing, patients may exhibit certain behaviors as expression of
their inner quest for purpose and understanding.

10.  Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach
 Proponent: Carl Rogers.
 Meaning: According to humanistic psychology, people are predisposed to self-
actualization, or reaching their full potential.
It places a strong emphasis on getting to know people from their own point of view,
unique experiences, personal development, and the significance of each person's
reality perspective.
 Features:
1. Self-Concept: Emphasizes the importance of how people see themselves. .
2. Unconditional Positive Regard: This is when the nurse accepts the patient
without passing judgment. It creates an environment where the patient feels valued
and accepted, encouraging self-exploration.
3. Empathy: Empathetic communication builds a trusting relationship and helps the
nurse understand the patient's viewpoint.

11.  Theoretical underpinning;
 Rogers' humanistic theory is predicated on the notion that people are
good at heart and have an innate desire to improve themselves.
 The theory focuses on free will and personal responsibility. It suggests
that individuals possess the capacity to make choices and control their
behavior.
 Explanation of human behavior;
 Examining Self-Concept: For example, if a patient expresses low self-
worth it shows they have a negative self-concept.
 Unconditional Positive Regard: If a patient is defensive, it may stem
from past experiences of judgment.
 Empathy in Understanding Triggers: For instance, a patient with a
history of trauma may exhibit anxiety in specific healthcare settings.
 In summary, the humanistic perspective in nursing involves recognizing and
respecting the individuality of each patient, fostering a therapeutic relationship
built on empathy and acceptance.

12. HOPE YOU ENJOYED
THANK YOU.