PSYCHOLOGY OF VULNERABLE

INDIVIDUALS AND GROUP

INTRODUCTION

Psychology deals with the behaviour of individuals. At the same time psychology of people also differ from one individual to another.

Understanding the behaviour of certain groups of people is very important from the point of view of nursing, because these people are different from other.

These are the individuals more vulnerable for problems. The knowledge of psychology of these people will help nurses to deal with them in an effective way by extending appropriate nursing care.

Psychology of such vulnerable individuals is explained here under following headings-

1. Challenged:

2. Women:

3. Sick:

CHALLENGEDThis group of children includes both physically and mentally challenged.

They could be broadly classified into 2 groups:

(a) Motor disabilities

(b) Sensory disabilities.

Children with motor disabilities are orthopedically handicapped, having physical defect or deformity that causes interference with the normal functioning of the bones, joints and muscles.

Children with sensory disabilities will have handicaps such as blindness, mutism and deafness. This lead to poor development of intelligence due to lack of stimulation.

Psychologically these physically challenged may show many maladaptive reactions such as

self pity stubbornness shyness refusal to use prosthetic devices inferiority feelings demanding extra attention using handicap as an excuse feeling of helplessness jealousy/sibling rivalry negative emotions like anxiety and depression. Children sometimes blame themselves or their parents for

their problems.

Such children need to be counselled to accept their disability to handle the negative emotions.

Getting them involved in support group Developing positive attitude towards

prosthetic device is essential. Remedial teaching or training may be

necessary to over come weaknesses. Children will have to be taught effective

conflict resolution skills and social skills. Confidence building will help them

overcome feelings of inferiority and shyness.

MENTALLY CHALLENGED

Mentally challenged is the term used in place of mentally retarded.

Mentally challenged children are those with subnormal level of intelligence.

They will have low power of thinking, reasoning, learning and understanding.

They will have limited interests and aptitudes but no creativity.

Usually the children having below 70 IQ level are considered mentally challenged.

It will be appropriate to consider the treatment or remedial measures for the adjustment, rehabilitation and education of the mentally retarded.

Psychological treatment in the form of individual and group therapy is found to be useful.

Children can be helped in solving problems of emotional and social adjustment and resolving their mental conflicts through psychological measures.

It is very important that, parents be given training to take proper care of such children.

Provisions may be made for special education and training.

WOMENEducation and employment of women have

brought several changes. Legislations have altered rights of women in

terms of inheritance, opportunities and rights have radically altered roles of women.

Though there is a gap between what is legally possible, and the reality, there are signs of change.

But still in country like India where traditions are dominating the lifestyle of people, the gender differences and stereotypes are continuing. Women are considered as homemakers and nurturers.

Women’s total dependence on men has decreased. Men are yet to accept these changes in role relationships. Even women may find it difficult to adjust to new roles.

They Are Expected To Passive Submissive Dependent

All these things have created a different women psychology. She may not be expressing her feelings, emotions, needs and other things so openly like men.

There are intrinsic differences between males and females based on their genes or reproductive physiology, which confer differential risks of morbidity.

The main health problems of women are identified as High maternal mortality rate High maternal morbidity rate Low life expectancy at birth MENSTRUAL disorders Mental disorders High suicide rate Malnutrition etc.

This situation is to a great extent the result of family structure and the relatively low socioeconomic status, discrimination and disregard of female health even during illness.

This is true in Indian culture and society.

Hence, it is very important for the nurses to keep in mind all these aspects while dealing with women patients and try to understand them.

Then only they can help them in a most needed way.

SICK

These are the persons where nurses are regularly coming in contact with.

The people suffering from sickness are definitely different from normal people.

• They will have their own problems. • Patients suffering from physical diseases

will have a lot of anxiety, worry, tensions, doubts about their disease, quality of treatment, cost of treatment and improvement in conditions.

• Similarly patients with psychological disorders whether the disease is of mild or of severe nature; need sympathy, warmth, concern of nurses. These things will help them a lot in forgetting their worries and to get early cure and relief.

PSYCHOLOGY OF GROUPS

FORMING Group members look to the leader for

direction. Members are sizing each other up – checking

out personalities and talents of other members. Members focus their discussion on the task at

hand, not worrying about relationships. Feelings going through members include

insecurity, nervousness. They are asking themselves “do i belong?”, “Will i be accepted by the group?”

STORMING• This stage is characterized by tension,

competition, and conflict among group members.• Questions arise about who is responsible for

what and what the rules are.• Some members may remain silent while others

attempt to dominate.• Some members question authority and

competency of the group leader• The group leader has to raise the conflict issue

and deal with it.

NORMING

• Conflicts are resolved and there is a stronger sense of belonging to the group.

• Creativity is high.• People know where they fit in and what is

expected of them.

PERFORMING

• Now the group is in high gear and highly productive. The need for group approval is past.

• Group members can now focus on the task and care for other members of the group.

• Group identity is complete, group morale is high, and group loyalty is intense.

RE-FORMING• This stage occurs when the tasks are completed • And there no longer need for the group to exist.• This stage includes • Recognition for participation (awards)• And an opportunity for group members to say

good bye. (Closure) • With the dissolving of the group, new leaders are

needed to take on the new tasks, so a new group forms.

THANKS

FOR

PATIENCE