Nursing, by its very nature, involves all the processes of life from birth to death. In response to new consumer needs and demands, health care services are moving more and more into the home, into the community and into alternative settings. A basic knowledge of psychology, communication skills and culture, as well as coping skills, have become vital to render holistic care to the individual, the family and society. 21st Century psychology for nurses: an introduction provides necessary skills to understand, educate and support patients and clients through painful and unpleasant health situations.

This book introduces six important perspectives in psychology which influence how people respond to their circumstances: behavioural, psychoanalytic, humanistic, neurobiological, cognitive and sociocultural. Each chapter focuses on a different health aspect, including personality, development, stress, HIV and AIDS, and death and dying. Key questions, interim summaries and critical thinking questions are included.

21st Century psychology for nurses: an introduction is aimed at student nurses and caregivers, as well as educators, and was compiled after intensive market research at all the nursing colleges in South Africa.