Dr Joanna Bennett

Psychodynamic theoriesExplain the development of mental or

emotional processes and their effects on behaviour and relationships.

Helped form the basis for interpersonal intervention including therapeutic relationships, transference and empathy.

Psychodynamic modelsPsychoanalytic (Freud)

individual psychoanalysis Concept of ego, unconscious mental

processes

Neo-FreudianDevelopment of other forms of psychoanalysis

Humanistic theoriesFocus is on the individual ability to learn

about and accept themselvesTherapy involves exploration of personal

capabilities and self-worthRogers client-centred therapyGestaltMaslow hierarchy of needs

Cognitive-Behavioural theoriesFocus is how people think and act, not on

explaining mental disordersSome theorists:

Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Beck, Bandura

Intervention based on behavioural theories is widespread in psychiatryPatient educationCoping skills trainingIn-patient – privilege system/token economy

Developmental theoriesExplain normal human growth and developmentTheories are presented in terms of stagesUsed to understand childhood and adolescentexperiences and their manifestation in adult

problemsMost of these theories assume development is

linearNot tested, nor consider gender or culture, so

limited applicabilityErickson – adolescence and identityJean Piaget

Social TheoriesSocial and socio-cultural theories important

in assessment of individuals and families.Intervention maybe based on family and

cultural normsInforms group interventionsSome theories:

Familiy dynamicsSocial supportRole theoriesSociocultural perspectives – transcultural care

Biological theories (Medical Model)

GenecticsFamily studies – relatives of an individual with

a mental disorder are more likely to develop the disorder

Twin studies – monozygotic (identical) – more likely that if one twin develops a mental disorder the other twin is more likely to also develop the disorder

Brain Neurochemistry

Abnormality of the neurotransmitter systemToo much or too little of a specific

neurotransmitterProblems related to inadequate synthesis or

reuptakePsychiatric drugs alter synaptic levels of

neurotransmitters

Structural and functional brain abnormalities

Advances in brain imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), have enabled scientists to study the role of brain structure in mental illness.

Some studies have revealed structural brain abnormalities in certain mental illnesses. For example, some people with schizophrenia have enlarged brain ventricles

However, this may be a result of schizophrenia rather than a cause, and not all people with schizophrenia show this abnormality

Stress-vulnerability model“Vulnerability” refers to our basic susceptibility

to mental health problems. This is determined by our genetic makeup and

our early life experiences. It is affected by our use of medications, and our

likelihood of using alcohol or drugs. “Stress” refers to the challenges faced in our

lives. Stress is affected by our coping skills, social

support, and involvement in meaningful activities

Some Nursing TheoriesInterpersonal relations models

Peplau – First systematic theory in mental health nursing –1952

Orlando – nurse-patient relationshipExistential and humanistic theories Jean Watson – transpersonal caring –

caring is the foundation of nursingSystems models

King, Neuman, Orem