Use of Psychosocial Theories in Nursing
In an interdisciplinary field such as nursing, differing perspectives often contribute to greater understanding and fulfillment of a patient’s needs. Take a minute to think about how this relates to the theoretical foundations of nursing. How do theories from various fields inform nursing practice?
For this Discussion, you will explore how social and behavioral theories apply in a clinical setting by analyzing a case study.
Case Study
Consider the following case: A 65-years-old woman is being admitted for a mastectomy due to cancer. She expresses fear and depression during the nursing assessment. What concepts from the various theories could be used in planning her care? How might her care be changed if the woman were 25 years old or 45 years old? How have the social psychology theories been used in promoting breast cancer awareness?
To prepare:
- With information from this week’s Learning Resources in mind, reflect on the influence of sociological and behavioral factors on health.
- Read the case study of the woman admitted for a mastectomy presented on page 328, #3 of the course text Theoretical Basis for Nursing (see case study above). Consider which concepts from sociological and/or behavioral theories could be used in nursing practice for addressing the patient’s health care needs. Conduct additional research as necessary using credible websites and the Walden library. Also consider how these theories are used in your own clinical practice.
By tomorrow 7/18/17, post 550 words essay in APA format with a minimum of 3 references from the list below, that include the level one heading as numbered below:
Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:
1) What concepts from the various theories could be used in planning the 65-year-old woman’s care?
2) How might her care be changed if the woman were 25 years old or 45 years old?
3) How have social psychology theories been used in promoting breast cancer awareness? Provide at least one example to support your response.
4) How have social psychology theories been used in your clinical practice area? Provide at least one example to support your response.
Required Readings
McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.
Chapter 13, “Theories from the Sociologic Sciences”
Chapter 14, “Theories from the Behavioral Sciences”
Chapter 13 and Chapter 14 discuss those theories from the social and behavioral sciences that are applicable to nursing and health care.
Carnegie, E., & Kiger, A. (2009). Being and doing politics: An outdated model or 21st century reality? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(9), 1976–1984. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05084.x
This article uses critical social theory to analyze the political role of nurses. The article argues that nurses must be prepared for political participation in national and local contexts in order to encourage policy analysis and community engagement within nursing practice.
Conrad, P., & Barker, K. (2010). The social construction of illness: Key Insights and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior: Special Issue, 51, S67–S79. doi: 10.1177/0022146510383495
This article examines the history of the social construction of illness and discusses different methods in which the concept of illness is developed in different cultures.
Ford, C. L., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2010). Critical race theory, race equity, and public health: Toward antiracism praxis. American Journal of Public Health, 100(S1), S30–S35. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.171058
This article applies a theory from legal studies to racial inequality issues in health care in order to improve social consciousness and quality of care.
Kelly, C. (2008). Commitment to health theory. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 22(2), 148–160.
This article reviews the Commitment to Health (CTH) theory, the theory’s assumptions, and application to nursing and health care.
Ryan, P. (2009). Integrated theory of health behavior change: Background and intervention development. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 23(3), 161–170.
This article examines the application of health behavior theory to clinical practice.
Optional Resources
Byrd, M. (2006). Social exchange as a framework for client-nurse interaction during public health nursing maternal-child home visits. Public Health Nursing, 23(3), 271–276. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2006.230310.x
Mohammed, S. (2006). Scientific inquiry. (Re)examining health disparities: critical social theory in pediatric nursing. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 11(1), 68–71. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6155.2006.00045.x
