Book review: Psychology for Nurses and the Caring Professions

PSYCHOLOGY FOR NURSES AND THE CARING PROFESSIONS

Jan Walker et al, Open University Press, ISBN 0335214622,
£22.99

STAR RATING 5/5

Packed with readable research on the practical application of
psychology to every aspect of professional health care, this book
is “a must” for degree level nursing and other health care
students, writes Heather Chaplin.

It also provides an excellent introduction to psychology for anyone
working in social care, but is detailed enough for psychology
graduates who left the subject behind some years ago.

This second edition benefits from including a “psychosoap” family,
11 troubled individuals who all suffer extraordinary and
occasionally implausible bad luck, but in the process illustrate
key concepts.

Chapters are included on development throughout life, perception,
stress, memory and psychology applied to health. Reducing the
stigmatisation of patients and helpful communication with people
who have life-threatening illness are discussed in a sensitive
manner, with thoughtful case examples.

It was refreshing to read that psychological theory “should not be
applied unless there is reasonable evidence to support it.” This
book could make a real difference to people’s lives who are on the
delivery or receiving end of health care.

Heather
Chaplin is an inspector for the Commission for Social Care
Inspection in Devon