Analysis of Psychological Theories: Sam's Case Study Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of a psychology case study focusing on a 65-year-old man named Sam, who is facing work-related stress, social constraints, and alcohol addiction. The report applies various psychological theories, including the James-Lange theory of emotions, soci...Read More

Thus, its application on the case could be well explained in context of Sam. For
instance, while prior to the theory, it was believed that there is a cognitive response
to reactions of people towards a certain perception, which was then followed by
physical responses. However, the approach of James-Lange suggested that
individual experience psychological responses, which drives emotions towards a
certain perception. This could be well seen in the case study, wherein, the
uncertainty of Brexit, along with approaching retirement developed negative
physiochemical responses within Sam, such as anxiety and aggression, which
further led to depression and isolation.
3.2. Analysis of How Psychological Theories Relate to behaviour Disturbances
As reflected within the case, there are several aspects, which reflect that
Sam has a very deteriorating behaviour, due to several external as well as internal
factors, which are affecting is health (Marinescu, 2018). However, analysis of
several theories could help in understanding behaviour disturbances within Sam.
Social Cognitive Theory: There are three variables that could be appropriately
discussed in context of understanding this theory appropriately. The very first
aspect is behavioural factors, which could help in understanding the reason for
behaviour disturbances in Sam. This aspect within a person is determined and
influenced by both environmental as well as personal factors. For instance, the
environment, as well as personal aspect drives the cognitive processes within an
individual. For example, the external environment around Sam, such as a
monotonous working routine and monthly targets, were external factors, which
were determinant of Sam's disturbing behaviour Furthermore, in terms of internal
processes, future uncertainty and Brexit, too related to the behavioural
Psychology for Health and Social Care
3.1. Analysis of Application of Psychological Theories to individuals
Experiences Elevated Stress
As reflected in the case study, Sam is suffering from a very evident and
prominent level of stress, which is associated with his work life as well as the
social constraints around him, such as the likelihood of Brexit. Furthermore, this
is leading to a very anxious and aggressive behaviour within Sam, which is a
major cause of concern for his safety and soundness of his mindset. Furthermore,
Sam also has a problem in relation to alcohol addiction, which has quite a severe
effect on his physical and mental stability.
To understand this better, there are several theories, which could be
analysed as well as applied, in ways that helps in developing an appropriate
understanding of the same (De los Reyes-Aragon and et. al., 2016). One such
theory is Theory of Emotions, which was suggested by William James and Carl
Lange, which is developed on the notion, that emotion within an individual is
quite equivalent to range of psychological arousal caused by external events.
Environmental impacts within the same acts as a stimuli for people, which drives
their social behaviour towards the same.

Cognitive Behavioural Theory: This theory is associated with description as well
as role of cognition in determining disturbances in behaviour. It works on the
notion that individuals form several self-concepts, which affect their behaviour
heavily. Further, cognitive triad is inclusive of several thoughts about self,
environment and future. In context of Sam, as given in the case study, he started
losing his worth and confidence (Rahmadani, Budihastuti and Poncorini, 2019).
Moreover, in terms of environment, the retirement insecurity, along with Brexit,
was perceived as a stress and fearful factors by him. Moreover, in context with the
future, the uncertainty, collectively induced behavioural disturbances in relation to
Sam.
3.3. Analysis of How Psychological Theory Informs Understanding of Mental
Health Disorders
Mental health issue is a kind of psychological or emotional disorder which
can cause by any tragic situation, genetics, overthinking and many more. To
understand this disorder various theories are used which describes the root of
problem and also helps in finding ways to deal with them. This report is based on
the case study, in which Sam is a person who is 65 years old and works in local
council. Sam is hard working person but failed to meet the standards and also
facing financial problems and it affect mental health which cause stress, tension
and anxiety, along with habits like alcohol addiction. While considering the health
of Sam, two theories are described and also helps in determining the working
conditions of brain.
Behaviourist Theory: This theory put emphasis on observing the behaviour of
person and analysing various situations by which an individual is suffering.
Changes in behaviour can cause by various factors such as depression, social
factors and many more. These people become less socially active and faces
various fears or phobias. Here, Sam faces financial issues and this impact his
which are considered in behaviour disorder.
Psychodynamic Theory: This theory represents that disorder can cause because of
biological factors or genetic problems. Here, individual face depression by which
they can lose their relationships. It states that depressed people considered
themselves as worthless or good for nothing. As per the case study, Sam does not
have any family member, he lives alone and loneliness is the major cause of
depression. Moreover, he has drinking habit which also impacts his health. To
avoid the loss, an individual needs to involve themselves in regular routine and
open themselves in front of people which helps in reducing the depression
(Ahmed, Jadhav and Sobagaiah, 2017).
3.4. Evaluation of the Application of Psychological Principles to Affecting
Behaviour Change
There are several psychological principles, which are required to be
evaluated, as well as applied in relation to affecting the behavioural change in
health and social care settings. There are several principles of psychology, which
are derived by William James in his work. These principles affect behaviour
changes in health and social care settings, moreover, is quite relevant to be
explored in context of Sam.
Education: This principle of psychology relates with enlightening concepts within
a human being in order to organise their power and make them appropriate in he
social, as well as, physical environment. However, absence of this phenomena is
quite inappropriate in relation to behaviour. For example, Sam might not be
having proper knowledge about how his retirement could be planned, along with
safeguarding measures which he could take following the uncertainty of Brexit.
Thus, this affects his behaviour and induces negative feeling towards the
environment.

Association: Another psychological principle affecting behaviour change is
association, which means recollection of memories and a continuous analysis of
several mental processes. Thus, regular recollection of several memories related
to the current condition of Sam, is inducing certain negative changes in his
behaviour. Thus, affecting him mentally. Moreover, within health and social care
settings, this principle affects change in behaviour, as people tend to recollect
negative memories, thus, inducing negative behaviour.
Will: Another essential psychological principle is related to self-control in mind,
which drives a person towards a positive or negative change in their behaviour.
Thus, in context of Sam, his anti-social behaviour, alcohol addiction, and isolation
clearly developed negative changes within his behaviour. Moreover, in health and
social care setting, anti-coping behaviour, non-compliance towards treatment,
affects the behaviour change negatively due to inappropriate treatment (Yusuf,
2018).
3.5. Analysis of How Psychological Theories can Enhance Understanding of
Relationships in Health and Social Care
Within health and social care setting, relationships are quite essential to be
understood, which becomes evident between patients and caregivers, amongst care
workers, between several services and users, etc. furthermore, it is highly essential
that understanding regarding the same are enhanced, which could be supported by
several psychological theories. For instance, Erik Erikson, provided a theory of
psychosocial development, which has several stages that could be used in order to
understand the aspects above. For example, trust vs. mistrust could be an important
stage to be considered while enhancing relationships. This means that it is highly
essential for care givers to appropriately and effectively provide trust to the service
users. This could be done through ensuring transparency, effectiveness and
appropriate behaviour towards their treatment, hence enhancing the scope of
improvement in relationships. Furthermore, intimacy vs. isolation could also be
used in context of enhancing relationships within the health and social care setting.
For instance, individuals with mental illnesses must be given proper care and
consideration, rather isolation, which would drive them towards better cooperation
towards their treatment and would ensure better environment in the health and
social care setting (Kelemen, 2018).