Psychology's Influence on Nursing

As defined by Mason and Whitehead, psychology is a branch of biological science which focuses on the study of conscious life in its origin (66). Mason and Whitehead go on to argue that conscious life refers to the experiences of the individual and origins refer to the particular group or issue being reviewed: e.g., child, adult, abnormal or animal (66-7). A basic examination of the definition of psychology demonstrates that the practice is one that requires understanding of the human experience and behavior. Given that nursing practice incorporates an understanding of the patient to develop care practices that are both meaningful and purposeful, it is evident there is some link between nursing and psychology.

Given the basic connection that appears to exist between psychology and nursing, there is an impetus to examine this relationship more explicitly. Using this as a foundation for investigation, the current research considers what has been noted regarding the use of psychology in the development of nursing theory and practice. Through a careful review of what has been noted regarding the role of psychology in nursing practice it will be possible to provide a more integral understanding of how psychology can be used in nursing practice and how psychology has been practically developed for use by professional nurses.

The Role of Psychology in Nursing

A review of the literature regarding the use of psychology in nursing demonstrates that scholars have examined various aspects of nursing care in the context of different psychological paradigms. For instance, Hevern considers the process of nursing practice in the context of narrative psychology, noting that both nursing professionals and patients develop a need to understand the...

... middle of paper ...

...ing information about the psychology of their patients should be able to better meet the needs of patients and improve health outcomes for the patient over the long-term.

Works Cited

Hevern, Vincent W. “Medicine, Nursing and Health Care.” Le Moyne College. 25 Oct. 2005. Accessed April 19, 2011 .

Mason, Tom and Elizabeth Whitehead. Thinking Nursing. London: Open University Press, 2003.

O’Connell, K.A. “Theories Used in Nursing Research on Smoking Cessation.” Annual Review of Nursing Research 27, (2009): 33-62.

Upton, Dominic. “The Value of Psychology in Health Profession Education.” Psychology Teaching Review 14.1, (2008): 3-12.

Whitehead, Dean. “Health Education, Behavioral Change and Social Psychology: Nursing’s Contribution to Health Promotion?” Journal of Advanced Nursing 34.6, (2001): 822-832.