Psychology and its Application to Nursing

The purpose of the module is to enhance the students’ understanding of psychology and to enable them to apply this knowledge to their nursing practice.

1. Discuss the main theoretical approaches in current developmental psychology;

2. Evaluate cognitive approaches to psychology in trying to understand the workings of the brain in terms of processing information;

3. Develop an understanding of family relationships, conflict, the self, emotions and the body through different theoretical approaches to social psychology.

4. Understand complementary approaches to the management of mental distress;

5. Understand principles of learning and behavioural psychology;

6. Develop an understanding of the psycho-social basis of pain and pain management;

7. Develop an understanding of the psychological basis of mental health and distress;

8. Develop an understanding of psychological interventions for patients experiencing mental distress;