HND BTEC

Unit 15 Psychology for Health and Social Care

LCC20166879
Dr. Shukti Biswas 02/04/2016

Tahmina Ferdousy Jhumu

 Psychology in Health and Social Care
(Unit 15)

Student Name: Tahmina Ferdousy Jhumu

Student I.D: LCC20166879
Submission date: 2nd April, 2016

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 Contents

Introduction Page No: 4

Task 1 Page: 5 to 9
Task 2 Page: 10 to 26
Task 3 Page: 18 to 27
Conclusion Page: 27
References Page: 27

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 Introduction

People who work in health and social care sectors spend most of the working times
interacting with other people. The key part of this job is to promote physical-mental
health and well-being. In order to understand human behaviour in health and social care
sector knowledge of psychology is essential.

This assignment includes three tasks. First task is about stages of life and various
psychological theories. Second task is about various factors and social roles that
influence human behaviour. Third task is a report about life changes.

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 Task One (L.O. 1.1 and 1.2)

Essay

(Life stages and psychological theories)

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*************************************************************************************
Human mind is very complex and it is the source of human thought and human
behaviour. The scientific study of the processes of human thought and emotions and
most importantly the study of human behaviour is called psychology. In psychology,
theories are used to provide a model for understanding human thoughts, emotions, and
behaviours (Cherry and Cherry, 2016).

Psychological theories give structured explanation of human behaviour according why

and how human beings do and what they do. Psychological theories are:

 Behavioural theory: the study of human behaviour change

 Cognitive theory: the study of human mental processes (Cognition)
 Psychodynamic theory: the study of the effect or impact of childhood experiences
on currant emotional status.
 Humanistic theory: the study of uniqueness of individual person and self
development.
 Biological theory: this theory focuses on the human nervous system and brain,
effects of genetics.

In this essay two psychological theories are explained and compared:

Behavioural theory: Behavioural theory is based upon the idea that all behaviours are
acquired through conditioning (Cherry and Cherry, 2016). Behavioural theory focuses
on behaviours which are observable rather than the influence of unconscious or unseen
processes in mind. Two founding behavioural theorists were, John Watson and Ivan
Pavlov (Wilson, 1989). Watson the American psychologist rejected the theory which
relied on unseen process in mind. According to Watson, environmental forces have
influence on human behaviour. Pavlov the Russian psychologist invented classical
conditioning, the process of reflex learning. B.F Skinner, an American psychologist who
developed a theory of human behaviour, which is based on operant conditioning, that
utilizes reinforcement and punishment to link between behaviours and the
consequences for those behaviours.

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Cognitive Theory: Cognitive theories focus on the influence of human thoughts on
emotion and behaviours. It is the study of mental process ((McLeod, 2016). Piaget
(1936) was the first psychologist who made a systemic study of cognitive development.
According to Piaget, the subsequent learning and knowledge is based on children’s
basic mental structure. Piaget’s theory focuses on development of human intelligence
rather than learning. Piaget believed that childhood has a vital role in the development
of human mind. The aim of the theory is to explain the mechanism and processes by
which the infant, then the child, develops into an individual who can think using
hypothesis (Mclead, 2016). There is a significant influence of this theory in
developmental psychology. This theory changed people’s view about child’s world and
the methods of communicating and studying children.

Differences between two theories:

Behavioural theory:

 Based on behavioural changes

 Focuses on behavioural pattern
 Focuses on what human does

Cognitive theory:

 Based on thought process

 Focuses on what is happening inside human mind by taking changes of human
behaviour as indicators.

Similarities between two theories:

 Both theories are study of psychology

 Both theories attempt to explain behaviour
 Both are old theories
 Both theories observe responses that human makes to different situations.

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Life span development means the age related changes of human from birth to old age
that refers to changes throughout a person’s life. The six stages of lifespan
development are:

Infancy: Birth to two years childhood, during this stage, the bond between the infant and
care giver is very important for this infant’s later emotional development.

Childhood: two to ten years. Children become increasingly independent during this
stage, their cognitive skills develop and they start to understand what is wrong and what
is right.

Adolescence: Ten to twenty years. It is the stage when they develop their own identity,
and the thought processes are more complex, logical and idealistic.

Early adulthood: Twenty to forty years. In this stage individuals develop their personal
and financial independence, develop intimate relationship, start family and establish
career.

Middle age: Forty to sixty five years. In this period, individuals expand personal and
social involvements, responsibilities, become mature individuals.

Older age: sixty five years plus. In this period individuals don’t have that many
responsibilities, during this stage individuals adjust to changes in life.

Behavioural theory (operant conditioning-punishment) is applied to early childhood

life stage: Tiara is two and half years old. She likes to play with her brother in home.
One day she visited a children centre, she picked a toy car to play. Her mother stopped
her and said, ‘it is a boy toy, why don’t you play with a girl toy?’ Tiara became upset and
embarrassed, and as a result she does not want to touch her brother’s toy anymore. If a
child receives praise (reinforcement) whenever she tries a new activity will be more
likely to try new activities in future.

Piaget’s cognitive theory is applied to early childhood life stage: This stage begins
around age two and lasts until age 7. According to Piaget, in this stage children become
more curious, their thinking is egocentric, they have difficulties taking the viewpoint of

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others. Pretending takes place in their planning, and they do not understand logic. For
example: if there are two identical pieces of clay in front of a child, one in the shape of a
flat bread, and the other rolled up into a ball, a child may say the flat piece is bigger as it
is rolled out. Telling children that changing shape will not change the amount of clay, will
not affect their thinking, it is important to be patient and let them discover the facts
themselves.

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Task two (Human Behaviour)

Power point presentation

L.O. (2.1 and 2.2)

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2.1

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2.2

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 Task Three

(L.O. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5)

Report (Life changes)

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REPORT ON LIFE CHANGES

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 CONTENTS

Introduction Page No: 21

(Section 1) Stress Page no: 21

(Section 2) Behaviour Disturbance Page No: 22

(Section 3) Mental Health Disorder Page No: 23

(Section 4) Behaviour Change strategy Page No: 25

(Conclusion) Analyzing having knowledge of psychological theories to improve

the understanding of relationships: Page No: 26

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Introduction:

‘Life Change’ is having an effect that is strong enough to change someone’s life
(Dictionary, 2016). It means mingling a person’s life or circumstances in a consequential
way. Human being faces life changing events in life, these events sometimes change a
person’s course of life from that day forward.

Section One: Stress

People face different events and situations in life, some of them are pleasant, and some
of them are not. Stress is a response to an unhealthy level of pressure from different
events and situations. Different people accept situations or events in different ways,
some of them find some events more stressful, some of them find it less stressful. The
causes of stress are (according to Holmes and Rahe stress inventory):

 Getting divorced
 Experiencing a loss
 Losing a job
 Moving
 Getting married
 Beginning or ending of school
 Having a child etc

Stressful events are part of most people’s lives, some of them are tragic and stressful,
and some of them are exciting and stressful.

The symptoms of stress: Chronic stress contributes to a great level of mental and
physical health issues:

 Dizziness
 Tension headaches
 Depression
 Anxiety

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  Anger
 Insomnia etc.

Stress can be explained using psychological theories (e.g. cognitive):

Sarah is separated with her partner, and being lone parent is a big pressure on her. She
is thinking she won’t be able to manage her duty; everything will turn out bad because
of her parental pressure and financial pressure. Her way of thinking is leading to
develop stress for her,

Sarah’s stress from insecure future and using cognitive behavioural therapy to manage
it: Sarah as a lone parent has started thinking everything negatively; she has started
drinking after work and too stressed to sleep. As a result she is anxious, impatient and
getting serious habit of having coffee, she has started ignoring some responsibilities for
her child, such as: giving him bath regularly, helping with homework. The therapist finds
Sarah is in serious stress and so ignoring her parental duty. For stress cognitive
behavioural therapy is often an effective form. Therapist suggests her not to pursue her
goal to be a good parent, and then advices her some relaxation techniques, including
positive imagery, deep breathing, then they begin together to identify the steps to stop
taking alcohol and reduce caffeine. Gradually she is able to manage her daily schedule
in order which helps to manage her stress significantly.

Section Two: Behavioural disturbance:

Behavioural disturbance can be defined in different terms: behavioural disorders,

behavioural problems or challenging behaviour. To understand behavioural disturbance
it is important to know about normal behaviour. Normal is something regular. Normality
traits are:

 Efficient perception of reality, example: accepting serious incident, e.g. death of

nearest one.
 Voluntary control over behaviour, example: some people can control anxiety,
excitation, anger etc, but some people can’t.

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  Self esteem and acceptance. Example: accepting feelings.
 Ability to form affectionate relationships. Example: maintaining relationship in its
own limit.
 Productivity. Example: children go to school to gain knowledge.

If a person does not behave normal, it can be said that person has behaviour
disturbance. Classifications of behavioural disturbance: aggression to others,
destructiveness, self-injurious behaviour.

An example of behaviour disturbance is: Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

(ADHD): This condition makes a person overactive. According to Centres for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), ADHD is a condition that impairs an individual’s ability to
properly focus and to control impulsive behaviours. Causes:

 It may be hereditary and develops in childhood.

 Some people believe watching too much television or eating too much sugar can
result ADHD in them.
 This condition is most diagnosed in childhood, especially in boys more than in
girls.
 Sometimes it caused by other mental health problems, e.g. depression.

Symptoms:

 Focuses and concentration difficulties

 Being easily destructed
 Being talkative
 Moving and touching things constantly
 Trouble sitting or stand still
 Difficulty in listening and following instructions
 Difficulty in staying on topic or on task etc.

Using therapy and medication can treat ADHD.

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Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy:

 It aims to change illogical thought which does not let be focused on task or
getting things done.
 Develops skilled thinking, ability of problem identification and managing conflict.
 Help to manage emotions: feelings or anger, anxiety etc.
 Develop social skills, example: recognising the thought and feelings of others.
 Help to evaluate options and develop effective behavioural skills.

Section Three: Mental health disorder

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), mental health is not just the absence of
mental disorder, it is a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own
abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.
Mental health is about:
 How human feel about themselves
 How human feel about others
 How human able to meet the demands of life.
Some mental disorders are: Psychosis, e.g. depression; neurosis, eating disorders such
as anorexia etc.
Depression: Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days
(nhs.uk, 2016). Symptoms of depression: (Psychological)
 Having low self-esteem
 Low mood, sadness
 Feeling irritable
 Feeling helpless or hopeless
 Feeling no interest in things
 Feeling worried and anxious
 Finding difficult to take decisions
 Thought of harming to own.

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Social symptoms:
 Not concentrating at work
 Having difficulties to continue family life
 Not taking part in social activities
 Avoiding friends contact etc.
Physical symptoms:
 Weight loss or gain
 Constipation
 Sleeping disturbance
 Lack of energy
According to cognitive behavioural theorists, depression results from irrational or faulty
cognitions, taking the form of judgements and distorted thoughts. Depressive cognitions
can be learned socially. Depressive cognitions can result from a lack of experiences
that would facilitate the development of adaptive coping skills (mentalhelp.net, 2016).
CBT can be an effective treatment for depression. This is done often in the form of
dialogue. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps to recognize and evaluate negative
thoughts and find a healthier way to view the situation. CBT helps depressed person to
be engaged with enjoyable activities and helps to develop problem solving skills.

Section Four: Behaviour change strategies

To control and manage challenging behaviour, one of the behaviour change strategies
is Care Strategy. To apply care strategies some important facts are:
 Need to gather all the information about client (medical history, family history,
important events, liking, disliking, interests etc)
 Need good communicational skill
 Need a complete care plan
 Person centred approach to change and control behaviour.
Advantages:
 Encourage the client to think in present time, example: by focusing on why he or
she having problem with behaviour.

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  Value the client, example: encouraging his choices, interests, and hobbies.
 Encourage self development, self expression and awareness to make him or her
confident, example: client gets opportunities to express themselves, their needs.
Disadvantages:
 It takes long time, example: applying person centred theory is long run and need
patience.
 If there is lack of communication, it might affect client’s behaviour.
 It can be costly, example: arranging relaxation therapy costs money for patient.

Section Five (Conclusion) Analyzing having knowledge of

psychological theories to improve the understanding of relationships:

For a professional care worker it is very important having the skills to develop good and
effective relationships with individual. Different types of relationships exist in health and
social care. Example:
 Relationship between the carer and service user
 Relationship between the service users and their family and friends
 Relationship between care workers
 Relationship between service users.
Psychological theories and researches can contribute to improve health and social care
sector. Theories help care workers to understand the behavioural processes and also
improve the understanding of all relationships.
Theories and relations:
 Cognitive theory: theories of beliefs and thoughts
 Behavioural theory: theory of behaviour
 Humanistic theory: theory of lived experiences
 Psychodynamic theory: theory of beliefs and behaviour.
Theories can help to understand different relationships:
 Theories help to appreciate how people’s needs and understanding vary.
 Theories help to ensure the care providing is appropriate and optimal

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  Theories inform the facts that influence individual’s life style and the facts that
make hard to change their health related behaviours, such as smoking or diet
style.
 Theories help to understand how people cope with different types of situations
and cope with the demands of daily life.
 Theories help to have better understanding of the process of communicating
which can identify the ways to improve relationships.
An example can be Piaget’s cognitive theory: Piaget’s cognitive theory is about the
development of a person’s mental process. It is a theory that attempts to explain the
changes in human cognitive, emotional and behavioural capabilities. For example: if a
client smokes, carer can help him applying cognitive approach. The client does not think
something is dangerous so the carer can help him reconsider his belief about smoking.
Knowledge of cognitive theory helps to understand others’ thought process, what and in
which way they are thinking and what do they want. A good understanding is important
to form a good relation to provide appropriate services to others.

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 Conclusion

Understanding psychological theories inform health and social care strategies for
individuals. It is obvious to know how human behaviour is influenced by the various
psychological factors and the affects of these factors on users of health and social care
service. Human and health (physical and mental) is the main concern in health and
social care, so the having knowledge about life span development, life changes,
behaviour and human psychology and theories inform the carers how they should
develop their skill to provide services.

References:

Zimbardo, P., Johnson, R. and McCann, V. (2009). Psychology. Boston: Pearson/Allyn

and Bacon.

Lerner, R., Easterbrooks, M., Mistry, J. and Weiner, I. (2003). Handbook of psychology.
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Google Books. (2016). PSYCHOLOGY. [online] Available at:

https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PVQDAedulXcC&oi=fnd&pg=PR2&dq=Psychol
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Mcleod, S. (2007). Simply Psychology. [online] Simply Psychology. Available at:

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About.com Health. (2016). Psychology: Theories, Experiments, and Quizzes. [online]

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Nhs.uk. (2016). Genetics - NHS Choices. [online] Available at:
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Slideshare.net. (2016). Lifespan Psychology Power Point Lecture, Chapter 1, Module

1.1. [online] Available at: http://www.slideshare.net/kclancy/lifespan-psychology-power-
point-lecture-chapter-1-module-11 [Accessed 18th March. 2016].

Psychologyandsociety.com. (2016). Conformity: Definition, Examples, Possible

Reasons, and Research Findings. [online] Available at:
http://www.psychologyandsociety.com/conformity.html [Accessed 19th March. 2016].

Psychguides.com. (2016). Behavioral Disorder Symptoms, Causes and Effects. [online]

Available at: http://www.psychguides.com/guides/behavioral-disorder-symptoms-
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