1. Unit # 01
Introduction to Psychology
Pir Bux (Nursing Lecturer)
BBS-ION (PUMHSW)
23-08-2014

2. Objectives
• This unit helps to orient learners to the field of
Psychology, and its significance to nursing
profession. At the end of this unit learners
will be able to:
1. Define Psychology.
2. Identify different perspectives in Psychology.
3. Identify various fields of Psychology
4. Demonstrate understanding and its practical
applications to Nursing.

3. PSYCHOLOGY
• Psychology is the scientific study of mind and
behavior. . The word “ psychology ‖comes from
the Greek words “ psyche, meaning life , and “
logos, meaning explanation.
• to create new knowledge about the causes of
behavior,
• The study of psychology spans many different
topics at many different levels of explanation
which are the perspectives that are used to
understand behavior

4. Understanding the difference
Biology Psychology Sociology
Study human life as
Organ systems of
tissues and
metabolism
Study human life as
Individual centers
of thought,
emotion, and action
Study human life as
Participants in
group and cultural
processes

5. PSYCHOLOGY

6. Explanation
Level of Examples
Lower Biological Depression is in part genetically
influences
It is influenced by action of
neurotransmitters
Middle Interpersonal Peoples who are depressed may
interpret events that occurs them
negatively
Psychotherapy is used to help people talk
and combat depression
Higher Socio Cultural Women experience more depression
than men
The prevalence of depression varies
across cultures and historical time
periods

7. Branches of Psychology
• Psychiatry is a branch of medicine specializing
with mental disorders.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors, specialized
physicians.
• Psychotherapy is a form of treatment
emphasizing communication
• Psychotherapist is a mental health
professional who treats patients ("clients") by
communicating with them. Usually, this takes
place in verbal form: talking and hearing.

8. Branches of Psychology
• Psychoanalysis refers to the theories of the mind
and psychotherapeutic techniques developed by
Sigmund Freud
• Psychoanalyst conducts Psychoanalysis
• People are frequently unaware of the causes of
their own behaviors.
• Psychologists use the scientific method to collect,
analyze, and interpret evidence.
• Employing the scientific method allows the
scientist to collect empirical data objectively,
which adds to the accumulation of scientific
knowledge.

9. Importance
• Although both fields differ from each other apparently
but still Psychology is interlinked with nursing
practices, to a great extent. Before believing the stance
of similarity or difference, it is very important to
understand both fields separately.
• Psychology
• According to Pastorino & Portillo (2012), Psychology is
the scientific study of behavior and mental processes
Ciccarelli & Meyer (2006) further explain that
behavior incorporates all our overt actions and reactions
and mental processes refer to our covert activity of
mind(cited Barker 2007).

10. • Nursing
• Nursing as profession is considered to assist the
individual (usually patient) in performance, of activities
contributing towards the recovery of their health
(Barker, 2007).
• The Relationship
• Working in the health related profession provides the
opportunity to work with other people and a key part
in such professions is to promote the health and well-
being of people. In this case, it is very important to be
well aware of the attitude and behaviour of people –
Point where Psychology comes in (Walker, Payne, Smith,
& Jarrett, 2007).

11. • Byrne & Byrne (1992) describe that in its most
elementary form the practice of nursing involves
the application of medical science to the
management of people with physical illness. Both
nurses and psychologists try not only to
understand the health related issues of people but
also to change their thoughts and attitude to
enhance their well-being.
• Nurses are required to provide very basic care to
the people they work with but the effort is always
to change the thought process in a very positive
manner (Barker, 2007).

12. Significance
• Byrne & Byrne (1992) state that psychological factors
play an important part in the development and course
of many illnesses and in the processes of recovery from
them.
• Russell (1999, p. 180) solidify the importance saying
that accurate identification of one’s problems and
needs is critical to the process of effective nursing care,
as it defines both the significance and quality of the
nursing actions.
• External symptoms and management of physical
pathology, patient’s response and reaction to illness.
• Different individuals have different reactions towards
the entire process of illness.

13. • Byrne & Byrne (1992, p. 29)say that nurses enter
into the “system” soon as they get involved in the
interpersonal interaction with the patient and in
result this creates an environment for the care of
patient. In this environment, nurses become part
of complex social psychological system which
comprise of patient, medical staff and any
relatives of patient.
• Walker, Payne, Smith, & Jarrett (2007) : solid facts
Consider how people’s thoughts and needs vary
and what best can be done to ensure these needs
satisfied.

14. • establishing the communication processes in order
to improve the therapeutic relationship and work
more effectively in inter-professional and inter-
agency contexts.
• Psychological factors inform the health care
professionals about the lifestyles of people and how
certain health-related behaviors i.e. smoking, dietary
change and exercise, can affect that.
• Logical steps can be taken in order to improve the
health and well-being of these individuals.
• Opportunity: understand their responsibilities in a
better way and perform exactly as what is expected
of them.
• Psychology plays a vital role in understanding the
health-related matters of the individuals and nurses
need to know them.
•

15. References
• Slater A & Bremner G. (2007). An introduction to Develomental Psychology
(2nd Edition). BPS Blackwell
• Hoerger, M. (2007, January 8). Introduction to Developmental Psychology.
Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.
• Unit# 01:- The difinition and history of Psychology
http://www.saylor.org/site/wp-
content/uploads/2011/01/TLBrink_PSYCH01.pdf
• Importance of Psychology for nursing Practice (Roles & Prespectives)
https://www.academia.edu/3736193/Importance_of_Psychology_in_Nurs
ing_Practice