Psychology for Health and Social Care: Report and Analysis

This psychology report delves into the application of psychological theories within the context of health and social care. It begins by comparing different psychological theories, including stage theory, open-ended theory, continuity theory, and discontinuity theory, and explores their relevance to various life stages such as infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The report then examines the theories of Erik Erikson and Piaget, detailing their frameworks for understanding personality and cognitive development. Furthermore, it analyzes the social and biological factors influencing human behavior, using a case study to illustrate these influences. The importance of social roles in health and social care settings is discussed, along with how psychological theories inform the understanding of mental health disorders and how these principles affect behavior change. The report concludes by emphasizing the role of psychological theories in enhancing the understanding of relationships within health and social care. The report also analyzes a case study of an Alzheimer's patient to showcase how psychological theories and social factors can impact a person's behavior and health.

Psychology
for
Health and Social care

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Comparison of different psychological theories ..............................................................1
1.2 Psychological theories .....................................................................................................2
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Both social and biological factors which influence human behavior in the given case study
above ......................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Importance of social roles in the context
of health and social care settings ..........................................................................................5
Task 3B............................................................................................................................................5
3.3 Psychological theories informs
understanding of mental health disorders .............................................................................5
3.4 The application of psychological principles to
affecting behaviour change....................................................................................................6
3.5 Psychological theories can enhance
understanding of relationships in health and social care.......................................................7
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

Introduction
Psychological factors directly affect both the development of lifespan and individual's
behaviour. These factors also have impact on various stages of individual’s life cycle. The
present report will help to understand different psychological theories of life span development
as well as various factors like social and biological which have influence on human behaviour.
Further, this report will also help to understand the importance of social roles in health and social
care setting. In addition, present report will include the applications of various psychological
theories and it also describes that how these theories relate to behavioural disturbance in human.
Task 1
1.1 Comparison of different psychological theories
Life cycle of human includes various life stages such as infancy, childhood, adolescence,
adulthood and the last death stage. With the help of psychological theories like continuity,
discontinuity, open ended etc., these life stages of human could be understand easily. Description
of psychological theories, life stages and its characteristics has been stated below:
Life stages and their characteristics Comparison of Psychological theories
Infancy (0-2 years)
In the infancy life stage, infants are
dependent on their care givers like parents.
Comparison between stage theory and open ended
theory:
The stage theory describes that each and
every human faces equal life stages from their
birth to death in their life span development.
According to this theory, future expectation of
human influences and motives him or her to select
development path which is appropriate for them.
However, according to open ended theory, every
individual creates various assumptions and
hypothesis. This theory states that on the basis of
assumptions, individuals give reaction in different
Early Childhood (3-10 years)
In early childhood stage, they are
less dependent or increasingly become
independent from care givers. In this stage,
they start to learn and observe things.
(Greene, 2008)
Adolescence (11-20 years)
In this stage, they start to think in
more complex and logical manner. By
1

seeking independence from care givers,
they start to develop their own identity.
conditions. Decision making process of individual
is based on various factors like cultural and
psychological.
Comparison between continuity theory and dis
continuity theory:
The continuity theory describes that
individual in their late adulthood stage uses few
strategies and methods which are linked with their
previous actions and past behaviours in their life
span development. However, the discontinuity
theory helps to find out unexpected and sudden
changes in different stages of human life. This
theory also concentrates on changes like
indifferent and isolated which occur in the
individual's life stage (Kershner and Farrell,
2009).
Early Adulthood (21-40 years)
In early childhood stage, with the
help of unify carrier opportunities,
individual sets up personal and financial
independence. At this life stage, they start
to make relationship with life partner and
begin their family.
Late adulthood (41-70+ years)
In the late adulthood stage,
individual expands their responsibilities
and involvements in social activity.
Further, in the life they start to adjust
towards the changes and perception.
(Munn and Winter, 2013)
1.2 Psychological theories
Psychological theories such as Erik Erikson and Piaget theory are related to life stages of
life span development and this is briefly described below: Theory of Erik Erikson-
Erik Erikson theory includes eight phases of individual's personality development. These
phases are known as psychosocial development stages which are defined below:
Life stages Virtuousness and
Psychosocial conflicts
Outcomes
Infancy
(0- 1 ½ years)
Hope
conflict between trust
and mistrust
Infant develops a sense of trust towards their care
givers. Lack of bond will lead to mistrust.
2

Early childhood
(1½ –3 years)
Will
-conflict in autonomy
and shame
In early childhood, they requires personal control
over their physical skills.
Play age
(3-5 years)
Purpose
-conflict between
initiative and guilt
In early childhood stage, they puts efforts to apply
so much power. If, they face disapproval then they
will develop guilt sense. (Cameron, 2012)
School age
(5-12 years)
Competency
-conflict between
industry and inferiority
Individual starts to cope up with academic
demands. In case of failure, they feel inferiority.
Adolescence
(12-18 years)
Fidelity
-conflict between
identity and confusion
Individual tries to develop personal identity. In
this, success leads to stay truthful but in case of
failure, it creates confusion.
Adult young
(18-40 years)
Love
-conflict between
intimacy and isolation
In this, individual builds love relationship.
Success in such relationship results in strong
relation and failure results in loneliness.
Adulthood
(40-65 years)
Care
-conflict between
generativity and
stagnation
Here, individual starts to care others and success
in this results to feel useful. (Wormer, 2007)
Maturity
(65 + years)
Wisdom
-conflict between ego
and despair
In this, individual reviews past actions and
success in past leads to feel wisdom.
 Theory of Piaget-
It is development stage theory which describes differences of logical abilities in
child and adult. Piaget stated that through both environmental experience and biological
maturation, human improves gradually in the various life stages. In this, four stages are included
which are discussed below:
3

 Sensor motor stage (0-2 years)- Infants observe things and people who are around them
and their knowledge are limited. In this stage, they learn through various trial and errors.
 Pre-operational stage (2-7 years)- To present things, they use images and words. Their
imagination power and languages are more developed. (Tuckman and Monetti, 2010)
 Concrete operational stage (7-11 years)- Human starts thinking about different events by
using various logics and concepts.
 Formal operational stage (12+ years)- In many various ways, they start to think through
using multiple variables and build potential for mature morals. (Suls and Davidso, 2011)
Task 2
2.1 Both social and biological factors which influence human behavior in the given case study
above
Human behaviour includes physical, mental, social and emotional activities during
various stages of human life. There are various types of factors which influence human
behaviour, the social and biological factors are briefly defined below: Social factors- The socialisation is one social factor which affects the human behaviour
because it is generally a process through which human gain the information, skills and
languages through their society. According to case study, Sam learns many things from
his family in childhood stage which affects his behaviour. The education is also a factors
because lower education skills leads to bad behaviour and in respect to this the other
factors like society, culture environment and media gives impact on his behaviour. Sam
was also places to Care home and there he was 24 hours watched by workers and
professionals which creates changes in behaviour like he becomes more irritated and
stressful. Further this behaviour may lead to attempt suicide (Oakley, 2004).
 Biological factors- Not only social but also biological factors affects the behaviour of
human. In this context, genetic is also a factor which affects because it determines
behaviour. Each and every human has different type of character which also include
intelligence and talent, all these factors comes from the heredity. The disease Alzheimer
which is present in Sam is due to the loss structure of neurons and it alsThe Purpose of
Psychology Theories, 2015o affects the behaviour of Sam. Sam is facing the illness from
4

last 6 years which also creates irritation in his behaviour (Agarwal and Zeephongsekul,
2013).
Through this it is articulated that both social factors and biological factors shapes and
influence the behaviour in human.
2.2 Importance of social roles in the context
of health and social care settings
According to the given case study, Sam is a Alzheimer patient and he is facing few issues
in his development of lifespan and it gives both negative and adverse impact on Sam's
behaviour, mental health and physical health. The negative effects occurs due to nutrition
deficiency, imbalance hormones and low metabolic process. At this life stage, Sam is physical
and mentally not that much strong to fight with the disease and he is also not able to take a action
or stand to solve his personal problems. Both factors such as social and biological affects the
Sam's behaviour (Sigelman and Rider, 2011). For the well being of Sam, both the mental and
physical health is most important. The successful behaviour depends on attitudes, behaviour,
social and environmental factor. As per given case study Sam is facing some issues like mental
disorder and depression, so, in this situation of Sam, he wants proper care and support from his
family, friends and society. It is also very important to take low calorie intake, reduce the
addicts and more exercise which will help to improve the health. To reduce the stress and
improve the attitudes it is very important to develop the psychological and cognitive tactics
(Zentall and Galef, 2013).
In case of Sam regular and proper medication also a important factor to improve his
health. Due to high level of stress, Sam also has the chances to loss his memory because he is a
Alzheimer patient. In this condition the social role will help to remember his own identity and
also help to develop self confidence in him. All these help him to maintain conformity and
traditional positive behaviour. In this difficult time of period, the social roles will help to achieve
the good health in Sam. The working and friendly environment of care home will help to boost
his confidence and improve his health. The society of Sam can offer him help and support in
both financial and non financial manner (Barlow, 2007). All these will surely give positive
impact on the Sam's behaviour because he will feel that all are taking good care of him and also
giving personal attention to him.
5

Task 3B
3.3 Psychological theories informs
understanding of mental health disorders
The mental health disorder is a behavioural or an emotional function which is caused by
biochemical, genetics or social factors etc. the psychological theories informs the understanding
of mental health disorder which is discussed below:
 Initialization of better treatment- The theories of psychological helps in both
development and advancement of treatment facility and services for both he service users
and service providers. The involvement of technology, the researcher are able to invent
new techniques which will help to provide the treatment in better quality to the service
users. With the help of psychological theories, researcher are easily understanding the
mental disorders and according to that service providers are providing better treatment
facilities to the patients (Hoff, 2008).
 Prognosis help- The term prognosis is used by psychologist to denote the prediction after
the mental disorder diagnosis. In present time, the service users always have a perception
that better quality of treatment services are responsible to heal their mental disorder.
Through the psychology theory, future condition of mental disorder service user's is
predicted (The Purpose of Psychology Theories, 2015).
 Helps to inspire researchers- As the base of future research, both psychologist and
researcher use the psychological theories. The research process of these theories helps to
develop and enhance the research and treatment field. The updated research and new
innovations helps to enhance the knowledge of treatment facility. With these theories, the
researcher feel motivated and influenced more towards to identify more factors which
causes the mental disorder. (Nevid, 2008)
 Improves the understanding- The psychological theories provides better understanding
of mind and behaviour of human. With the help of this theories, psychologist improve
their learnings and they easily identifies the factors which causes the mental disorder in
individual.
6

3.4 The application of psychological principles to
affecting behaviour change
The health and social care is a important part of every human life and for improving the
health, behaviour changes is very essential. The term behaviour change is also a part of
psychological concepts. In an individual, to bring the psychological and behavioural changes few
factors are responsible such as social, personal and environmental etc. the principles of
psychology describes that each individual is generally associated with organization identity of
health and social care. The service users generally perceives that quality services of health and
social care are only able to improve their health (Hazen and Goldstein, 2010). In case of any
disorientation in facilities and services which are provide to service user will usually hamper the
image of service providers. For example, a service user having depression problem is getting
treatment from NHS professional, in this NHS refer as a brand name and any issue it will impact
the image of NHS expert. In present time, organization as a big brand name is responsible to
keep the service users more loyal towards itself. The cognitive theory of Piaget stated that
continuous learning process will help to change the behaviour (Vaughan and Rodriguez, 2013).
Due to learning process, individual can change their negative behaviour such as smoking or
addiction etc. in positive behaviour. The process of learning also help an individual to improve
their health and social care in more effective way. Further in this context, the psychological
principle is changing in environmental conditions which supports the negative behaviour
(Psychological principles, 2015). The environmental conditions always changes the behaviour
and due to the changing process, negative convert to positive environment. The positive
environment supports the positive behaviour which helps to improve the health and social care
services (Jarvis, 2004). To provide the better quality treatment services to service users, care
provider and professional have to change the environment in more positive manner. The positive
environment will inspire service users to stay associated with the health care organization.
3.5 Psychological theories can enhance
understanding of relationships in health and social care
The psychological theories plays a very important role understanding the relationships in
health and social care sector because these theories explains the behaviour and mental process of
human through out their various life stages. The health and social care is growing and vast
7

industry and it always try to provide better quality services to all service users according their
demands and requirements. The psychological theories helps to enhance the relationship between
service users and service providers. In this sector it is very important for service providers and
health care professionals to develop a cordial relation with service users. In the relationship,
presence of trust factor should be available between both service user and provider (Jarrett,
2011). The presence of distrust factor may hamper the understanding in negative way which is
not beneficial for both service user and service provider. The trust factor will create healthy
relationship between both service user and provider. The poor relationship with family and care
givers can make the negative attitude about mental and physical health. Further it could be the
reason for stress and irritation condition. With the help of psychological theories, the knowledge
about negative behaviour may obtain. In the healthy relationship, service user can easily express
their issues and problems with their health care professionals (Heider, 2013). In same way, health
care professional will be able to solve the issues of patients because he will be full aware about
the health condition of patient. With the help of healthy relationship, the possible outcomes of
treatment will be in more positive manner. For the betterment of patient, the care and support is
very important (Apostolopoulos, 2010). In this context, the relationship with family, friends and
society is very important because with the help of them, service user will be able to recover fast.
For example, a service user is addicted to smoking and his wife is not supporting to quit the
smoking. His wife continuously nagging but still he was trying to avoid smoking. In this
situation, his wife is demoting the patient to quit the smoking. With the help of this example it is
easily understood that relationship with family and other are very important to improve the
health of service users.
Conclusion
With the help of this report it is identified that psychological theories plays a important
role in health and social care sector. In the present report, it is analysed that there are various
types of psychological theories are present which are related to different life stage of individual's
life span development process. In the addition this report also helps to understand the factors like
social and biological which influence and shapes the behaviour of human. Thus to identify the
impact of various factors, the psychological theories provide evidence for treatment services and
study. It also includes the concept that social roles are very important in health and social care
8

settings. Further in this report it is also described that psychological theories affects the
individual's behaviour change and it also describes that psychological theories can enhance
the understanding of relationships in health and social care sector. In last it is articulated that to
generate a better health care services and facilities, psychological theories must be effectively
developed and studied.
9

REFERENCES
Greene, R.R., 2008, Human Behaviour Theory & Social Work Practice. 3rd Ed.
Cameron, A., 2012. Factors that promote and hinder joint and integrated working between health
and social care services. Research Briefing. 41.
Munn, C. and Winter, R., 2013. A handbook for action research in health and social care.
Routledge.
Wormer, K.S.V., 2007, Human Behaviour and the Social Environment: Micro Level Individuals
and Families. Oxford University Press. pp. 241.
Tuckman, B.W. and Monetti, D.M., 2010. Educational Psychology. 1st Ed. Cengage Learning.
pP. 651.
Suls, J. and Davidson, K., 2011. Handbook of Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine.
Guilford Press. pp. 608.
Nevid, J.S., 2008. Psychology: Concepts and Applications. 3rd Ed. Cengage Learning. pp. 633.
Oakley, L., 2004. Cognitive Development. Routledge. pp.149.
Sigelman, C.K. and Rider, E.A., 2011. Life- Span Human Development. 7th Ed. Cengage
Learning. pp.575.
Barlow, D. H., 2007. Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders. 4th Ed. The Guilford Press.
pp. 722.
Hoff, E., 2008. Language Development. 4th Ed. Wadsworth Publishing. pp. 512.
Hazen, E.P. and Goldstein, M.A., 2010. Mental Health Disorders in Adolescents: A Guide for
Parents, Teachers, and Professionals. Rutger University Press. pp. 337.
Jarvis, M., 2004. Psychodynamic Psychology: Classical Theory and Contemporary Research.
Cengage Learning. pp. 218.
Agarwal, N. and Zeephongsekul, P., 2013. Psychological pricing in mergers & acquisitions using
prospect theory. Studies In Economic And Finance. 30(1). pp.22-30.
Apostolopoulos, A. C., 2010. Coastal bridges and the 120 Life Span – the Rio‐Antirio case
study. International Journal of Structural Integrity. 1(2). pp.173-183.
Jarrett, C., 2011. 30-Second Psychology: The 50 Most Thought-provoking Psychology Theories,
Each Explained in Half a Minute. Icon Books.
Kershner, R. and Farrell, P., 2009. Psychology for Inclusive Education: New Directions in
Theory and Practice. Taylor & Francis.
Zentall, T.R. and Galef, B.G., 2013. Social learning: psychological and biological perspectives.
10

Psychology Press.
Vaughan, M. D. and Rodriguez, E. M., 2013. The Influence of Erik Erikson on Positive
Psychology Theory and Research. Positive Psychology: Advances in Understanding Adult
Motivation. pp.231.
Heider, F. D., 2013. The psychology of interpersonal relations. Psychology Press.
Online
The Purpose of Psychology Theories, 2015. [Online]. Available through:
<http://psychology.about.com/od/developmentecourse/a/dev_purpose.htm>. [Accessed on:
25nd January, 2016].
Psychological principles, 2015. [Online]. Available through:
<http://changingminds.org/disciplines/workplace_design/psychological_principles.htm>
[Accessed on 25th January 2016].
11