Psychological Theories in Health and Social Care: A Report

This report delves into the application of psychological theories within the context of health and social care. It begins by examining various lifespan development theories, including Erikson's and Freud's, and their relevance to different life stages. The report then explores the influence of social and biological factors on human behavior, highlighting the importance of social roles in healthcare settings. Furthermore, it analyzes the application of psychological theories to individuals experiencing stress, behavioral disturbances, and mental health disorders. The report also evaluates the use of psychological principles to affect behavior change and enhance relationships within health and social care environments, concluding with a self-evaluation of the covered topics.

Psychology For In Health
And Social Care

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1Different psychological theories of lifespan development................................................3
1.2Explanation about how psychological theories and concepts are related to specific life
stages......................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.1Explanation about how social and biological factor influence human behaviour.............6
2.2Analysis of the importance of social roles in context of health and social care settings. .7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Analysis of the application of psychological theories to individuals experiencing elevated
level of stress..........................................................................................................................7
3.2 Analysis about how physiological theories related to behaviour disturbance..................8
3.3Analysis about how physiological theories informs understanding of mental health
disorders.................................................................................................................................9
3.4 Evaluation of the application of psychological principles which affect behaviour change in
health and social care settings ...............................................................................................9
3.5Analysis about how psychological theories can enhance understanding of relationship in
health and social care..............................................................................................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
Self evaluation from task 1 till task 3...................................................................................10
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
.........................................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Psychology refers to study of brain and behaviour and focuses on analysing and
monitoring behaviour of individuals or group and then find out the reason behind doing that
actions. In this report, various life stages of person will be explained by supporting different life
span theories. Besides this psychological theories like behavioural or cognitive etc. will be
discussed. Various factors like social or biological factors and it influences will be elaborated
and how it influences behaviour of human is defined. The way in which psychological theories
affects behaviour and creates mental health disorders will be explained with their different
applications. Theories which enhance relationships between health and social care will be
scrutinized in this project.
TASK 1
1.1Different psychological theories of lifespan development
Lifespan development explains broad stages of development in which human beings
passes through. Different lifespan stages are infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, late
adulthood, final stages of life and death. In every stages, individual experiences differs from
each stages as every phase is new for the individual which could be negative or positive
according to their surroundings. Negative impacts refers to psychological crisis and this can
become the strengths of individuals if it is properly maintained and nurtured. Therefore there are
some of the theories which are related to the life span development are specified below(Brooks,
and et. al 2015.):
Erikson's theories of lifespan development Trust vs Mistrust(Infancy): This stage occurs from birth to 12 months of age. Life is full
of uncertainty that's why newly born child should learn how to trust others more
specifically their parents. Basic needs of child should be fulfil by their parents as it will
create a sense of trust within baby. On the other side if their parents does not take care of
their infants then sense of mistrust will be develop which will create a negative impact in
future. Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt(Early childhood): This stage comes at the age of 1-3
years. Children must be taught that how to take care of themselves which includes eating
food, playing, cloths changing after getting wet etc. If a child does not become

autonomous in this age span then they might feel shame in future when seeing other kids
being self-governing. Initiative vs Guilt(Adolescence): Children wants to work alone and do things on their
own so that they can implement lessons which they have learned in class. But they did
not succeeded in the task then sense of guilt will be generated within child. 3-6 years of
kid comes under this. Industry vs Inferiority(Adulthood): 6-12 years of children comes under this. At this
phase, children are now aware aware the things happening around them and have
knowledge about different things. They become competitive at this stage and want to
attain success in every work they do. If they succeed then confidence would be developed
but if they did not then sense of inferiority will develop. Identify vs Role Confusion(Late adulthood): This phase happens at the age of 12-18
years of age. At this stage beliefs, ideals and value of the individual are shaped which
guides their behaviour. After completion of this stage, person leads to fidelity which
means the ability to live by society's standards and expectation. Intimacy vs Isolation: Period of adulthood is covered under this stage where people
explore personal relationships. As per Erikson during this stage people develop close and
committed relationships with different individuals. Generativity vs Stagnation:At this stage individuals generate the feelings that they are
contributing to the world by being active in their community and home. Those people
who fails to attain this skills are termed to be unproductive in the world.
 Ego Integrity vs Despair(Final stage of life and death):This is the final stage which take
place during old age. During this stage people focus on reflecting back on life and
determine whether they were happy for the life they lived or they regret for the thing they
did not or did achieve.
Freud Psychosexual theories of lifespan development: Oral stage: This is the very first stage of lifespan development as per Freud which range
to 1 year. At this stage infant interaction towards lifespan starts through mouth, as the
child during stage is totally depend upon caretaker.

 Anal stage: This Stage range between 1 to 3 years of age. At this stage major focus is
on controlling bladder and bowel movements of child as well as child learn to control his
or her bodily needs. Phallic stage: At this stage children begins to discover the differences between females
and males. In addition to this major focus of libido is specifically on genitals. Latency stage: At this stage superego develops in individuals as well as children starts
developing skills, values and relationship with peers and adults within society.
 Genital stage: This is the last and final stage of lifespan development of individuals,
during this stage a person develops a strong sexual interest in the opposite sex. This
stage starts with puberty but last up to rest of the individuals life.
Comparison between Erikson and Freud life span development theory(Strauss, 2017):
Erikson theory (Psychosocial theory of
lifespan development)
Freud theory ( Psychosexual theory of
development)
 This theory is based upon
environmental and social factors.
 Erikson expand this theory into
adulthood.
 As per this theory relationship goes
beyond feeding.
 This theory emphasizes on biological
forces and on basis needs.
 Whereas, Freud theory ends at an
earlier period of life span development.
 This theory include mother-child
symbolic care relationship.
1.2Explanation about how psychological theories and concepts are related to specific life stages
In different life stages of individuals development there are various psychological
theories and concepts like one of the best theory is cognitive which was developed by Jean
Piaget and it is being specified below(Brownson, 2017):
Jean Piaget cognitive psychological theory: As per Piaget child passes through four
stages of mental development. In addition to this it not only focus on how individual acquire
knowledge but also lay emphasis on understanding the nature of intelligence(Orthwein, 2017). Sensorimotor stage( birth to 2 years): At this stage toddlers acquire knowledge by
manipulating objects and through sensory experiences. Actions like grasping, sucking,
looking and listening all this activities are performed by child during this stage.

 Pre operational stage(ages 2 to 7): At this stage children learn through pretend play as
well as they begin to think symbolically with the help of pictures. In addition to this at
this stage child struggle to see things from the viewpoints of others(Smith, 2015). Concrete operational stage(ages 7 to 11): At this stage individual starts thinking
logically about concrete events. Children start using logical and organized thinking in
order to understand the basic concept of conservation.
 Formal operational stage(ages 12 and up): This is the last stage where the young adult
begins to think abstractly. In addition to this teens begins to think about philosophical,
social, ethical and political issues which require abstract thinking.
TASK 2
2.1Explanation about how social and biological factor influence human behaviour
Social and Biological factors both plays an essential role in influencing human behaviour.
Social influences on behaviour of individual specifically includes those which have taken place
historically as well as those based on current relationships. Like individual who have suffered
from abuse will behave differently and will indicate mistrust and fear. Additionally individuals
who have loving relationship currently may behave with certain level of confidence. On the
other hand biological influences may include those arising from genetic make-up and from
physical environment. In addition to this other factors like race, culture, attribution, attitude and
traditions are also some of the factors which influence and regulate the human behaviour. Race
specifically refers to the behaviour of the individuals those who possess similar physical abilities
and culture like religions, trade, traditions and many other aspects which result in influencing
directly on behaviour of individuals(Bulmer, 2015). On the basis of self observation when a
person is being judged is referred to as perception. Similarly genetics is an other biological
factors affecting human behaviour which is due to the transition of similar alleles because of
which individual behaves in similar manner as their parents behave. Furthermore psychological
disorder like anxiety, depressions, anorexia and many more which directly creates negative
impact on the behaviour of an persons. Furthermore some of the social factors and biological
factors like religion, education and physical status which are the causes of change in human
behaviour. In modern era it is being seen that person who is financially fit and is rish is treated

with dignity and respect than other people. Thus, it can be said that social and biological factor
influence the individuals behaviour in both positive and negative way.
2.2Analysis of the importance of social roles in context of health and social care settings
There are many ways in which the people can influence the behaviours of others. Every
people is playing some or the other role in the society. And it is the duty of everyone to fulfil its
obligations towards the society in which an individual is living. The way of living creates a great
effect on the health of an individual(Courtin and Knapp 2017). So this is the responsibility of the
all the ones who are living in the society to fulfil their obligations towards the society and make
in free from diseases. Health can be promoted in many ways such as with the contribution of the
society towards the sanitation facilities, health education, pollution control, food safety, avoid
use of alcohol and tobacco. The contribution of the whole society towards prohibiting the use of
all the addiction products which harms not only the person who is using it but also the others. So
in order to make the society healthy and free from diseases, people must be aware and also make
others aware about the importance of well beingness. This is not only the duty of a single person
but the society as a whole is to work upon it. Greater attention must be paid those ways by which
the importance of healthcare can be reached to the most of the people in the society.
Thus, overall it can be concluded that for the well beingness of the society as a whole, the
society must be aware about the importance of health. They must be first educated about the
importance of health in order to make the society healthy and safe.
TASK 3
3.1 Analysis of the application of psychological theories to individuals experiencing elevated
level of stress
A theory is not merely a guess but it is referred as a fact based framework for describing
a phenomenon. In addition to this it present the idea or a concept which is testable Therefore
physiological theories helps in suggesting that responses within the body which are responsible
for emotions. Moreover stress is one of the factor which effect both physically and
psychologically, as it is considered as conscious and unconscious psychological felling which
result in the form of positive or negative pressure(Duckett and Willcox 2015). Some of the other
external causes of stress includes relationship difficulties, changes in personal life, lack of work
life balance, families issues, financial problems etc. Whereas internal causes of stress may

includes pessimism, unrealistic expectations, chronic worries, etc. One of the theory is general
adaption theory which states that the three faces of individuals (Alarm reaction, exhaustion and
resistance) are totally based upon hypothesis that the body has normal level of resistivity to
stress. On the other hand some of the effective coping strategies of stress may consist of
communicating with others, sharing thoughts with others, staying positive, by accepting the
nature of others etc. Furthermore some of the other symptoms of stress may include low energy,
mi-grain, upset stomach which may result in constipation, diarrhoea and many more diseases. On
the other hand behaviour symptoms of stress may include poor sleep, less consumption of meals
and many other aspects. Lastly. Other psychological nature of stress may include overload,
uncontrollability and conflict. Thus, all the above mentioned are the different application of
psychological theories to individuals experiencing elevated level of stress.
3.2 Analysis about how physiological theories related to behaviour disturbance
Behaviour of the peoples is affected due to several reasons which indirectly affect their
performance as well as their success in many aspects. Individual behaviour depicts the individual
nature which motivates the person to involve itself in many social gathering as well as in social
groups. Moreover if the behaviour of the person is not satisfactory then the person will not be
able to sustain in the society which indirectly effect the personality of the individuals. Similarly
behaviour disturbance are described by various theorist and one among them describes that there
exist subjective distress and functional disability within the environment. In addition to this
behaviour disturbance also lead to provocations of environment(Gradinger and et. al 2015).
Therefore psychologist prefer and give importance to learning theory in respect to the behaviour
of individual in all aspects. Depression has also emerged as the major issue because of which an
individuals have to suffer from many psychological changes in their behaviour and its is mainly
due to the disturbance associated with many factors. Therefore individuals suffer stress mainly
due to the lack of skills which the person must possess as well as due to the environment in
which the individual lives and perform different set of activities. Thus, individual will prefer to
adopt only those behaviour in their life which will reinforce them by any means. For example a
young boy who is suffering from turmoil due to parents maternal conflicts which indirectly
affecting his behaviour and may lead to the symptoms of depression. Thus, at this age that young
boy can recover himself from symptoms like turmoil with proper care, support and love from all
the closed ones who are associated with him.

3.3Analysis about how physiological theories informs understanding of mental health disorders
Psychological theories also helps in understanding the concept of mental disorder of
human being. It means that it helps to understand how the body of individual and mind work
together. Therefore behavioural theory helps in determining and understanding of mental
disorder in a person (Lewis, 2015). Like aggression in an individual personality, it become a
mental disorder when it become the primary emotion of a persons and it lead to stress. Next is
isolation, when the person starts cutting from society and prefer to stay alone, away from others
and it could lead to stress by piling up of thoughts and will result in psychological ailment.
Additionally lethargy and fatigue is also one kind of mental disorder which the individual suffer
from and it result in Psychological ailment. Thus, it can be said that psychology helps in
understanding day to day problems in respect of human behaviour.
3.4 Evaluation of the application of psychological principles which affect behaviour change in
health and social care settings
Application of psychological principles which affect behaviour change in health and
social are setting are Stimulation: When an individual is stimulated he/she becomes more alert,
cautious and aware as he/she is more productive(Manners, 2017). Thus, its lead to change in
behaviour of individuals as the person is conscious about his health and social care.
Socialization: It is another important aspect which generates the feelings of belonging and it can
be known by hearing sounds of individuals, being surrounded by individuals and by sitting close
to peoples. Identity: It is another essential aspect which is demanded by every person , as people
want to be identified foe their presence and work. Similarity:Individual with some choices and
taste have bonding together and get attracted to each other just as it is said that “bird of a feather
flock together”. What beautiful must be good: This specifies that whatever has beauty must be
good enough as well as should be of best quality too. Thus, overall it can be specified that all the
above psychological principle affect change in behaviour of peoples in respect of health and
social care settings.
3.5Analysis about how psychological theories can enhance understanding of relationship in
health and social care
Psychological theories help in analysing and understanding the relationship in health and
social care:

Attachment theory: As attachment is refer to the bond which get developed between
the child and the caretaker. Therefore quality and attachment varies with the passage of time as
the child grows and also depend upon the behaviour of the caretaker too. In addition to this it
also helps in understanding the bonding relationship which has developed between caregiver and
the child and bout the upbringing of child and the environment in which the child was raised.
Thus, it can be said that if proper attention is provided to the child during different lifespan
stages than lot of problems can be overruled(Mirowsky, 2017). Psychosocial theory: It is the
theory which helps in the development of the individuals health. As this comprises of eight
different aspect through which the person passes right from childhood till adulthood stage.
Therefore eight different aspect like wisdom, will, hope, care, purpose, competence, love and
fidelity. Thus, it can be concluded that psychosocial theory helps in building positive
environment, competitive environment, health competition and increases the care and love
aspects of a person.
TASK 4
Self evaluation from task 1 till task 3
In self evaluation, it is being evaluated that right from task 1 to 3 Psychology plays an
important role ans is termed be useful in day to day life. As it help in understanding of peoples
different behavioural patterns and about the different environmental, psychological and social
factors affecting the behaviour of the individuals(Naslund and et. al 2016). In addition to this to
different theories are also being applied Erikson and Freud Psychological theories which helps in
determining different lifespan stages of human development. Moreover in order to understand
and improve the performance of health and social care, an individual must understand about the
biological and social factor which influence their behaviour. Biological behaviour like genetics,
mental disorder, whereas social factors like culture, traditions, attitude etc. Lastly it can be
evaluated that psychological theories plays a essential role in the development and enhancement
of health and social care, as it helps in determining the level of stress the individual posses,
behaviour disturbance from which the people suffer as well as help in understanding about the
mental disorder. Thus, it can be said that psychological theory must be applied and understood
by each individuals so as to enhance and develop quality service in health and social care.

CONCLUSION
From the above mention report overall it can be concluded that in the development and
enhancement of individual physiological theory plays an essential and crucial role. As it deals
with understanding of mental disorder and different activities and stages through which a
particular individual passes through. There are two important theory which helps in
understanding the concept of different stages through which a individual passes right from infant
till adulthood and they are Erikson's and Freud theory. Thus, it is very important to understand
different psychological theory so as to enhance understanding of relationship in health and social
care.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Brooks, J.and et. al 2015. The utility of template analysis in qualitative psychology research.
Qualitative Research in Psychology. 12(2). pp.202-222.
Brownson, R.C., 2017. Dissemination and implementation research in health: translating
science to practice. Oxford University Press.
Bulmer, M., 2015. The social basis of community care (routledge revivals). Routledge.
Courtin, E. and Knapp, M., 2017. Social isolation, loneliness and health in old age: a scoping
review. Health & social care in the community. 25(3). pp.799-812.
Duckett, S. and Willcox, S., 2015. The Australian health care system (No. Ed. 5). Oxford
University Press.
Gradinger, F.and et. al 2015. Values associated with public involvement in health and social care
research: a narrative review. Health Expectations. 18(5). pp.661-675.
Lewis, S., 2015. Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches.
Health promotion practice. 16(4). pp.473-475.
Manners, R.A., 2017. Professional dominance: The social structure of medical care. Routledge.
Mirowsky, J., 2017. Education, social status, and health. Routledge.
Naslund, J.A.and et. al 2016. The future of mental health care: peer-to-peer support and social
media. Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences. 25(2). pp.113-122.
Orthwein, W.C., 2017. Psychiatric and mental health nursing: the craft of caring. CRC Press.
Smith, J.A. ed., 2015. Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods. Sage.
Strauss, A.L., 2017. Social psychology and human values. Routledge.

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