Interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of mental health nursing

An examination of adaptive and maladaptive stress management and coping techniques

This essay aims to examine and explore a "critical incident", which took place during a clinical placement. This assignment will discuss the use of both adaptive and maladaptive stress coping mechanisms displayed by the participants, evident during and after the incident; and will also attempt to explain them, using relevant psychological models.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Interpersonal / Intrapersonal Aspects of Mental Health Nursing
• Introduction
• Stress Coping Mechanisms
• Critical Incident
• Fight or Flight Model
• General Adaptation Syndrome Model
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay explores a critical incident involving the author during a clinical placement, examining the use of adaptive and maladaptive stress coping mechanisms by the participants. It aims to analyze the incident using relevant psychological models, particularly the "fight or flight" and "general adaptation syndrome" models.

• Stress Coping Mechanisms
• Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies
• Psychological Models of Stress Response
• The Impact of Stress on Mental Health
• The Relationship Between Stress and Substance Abuse

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• The essay begins by defining the term "stress" and outlining the difference between adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
• The author then describes the critical incident, involving a patient named Jeremy who was admitted under the Mental Health Act. The incident involved Jeremy's escalating anxiety and agitation in a supermarket setting, leading to impulsive behaviors.
• The essay examines Jeremy's behavior through the lens of the "fight or flight" model, suggesting both a "fight" and "flight" response in his actions.
• The author further analyzes the incident using Selye's "general adaptation syndrome" model, outlining the three stages of stress response: alarm, adaptation, and exhaustion.
• The essay explores the impact of the incident on both Jeremy and the author, examining the coping strategies employed by both individuals. This includes Jeremy's use of alcohol and drugs, as well as the author's own experience of feeling inadequate and overwhelmed.
• The essay critically evaluates the limitations of the "fight or flight" model and discusses its relevance in modern life.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on the concepts of stress, coping mechanisms, adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies, the "fight or flight" model, the "general adaptation syndrome" model, and the relationship between stress and mental health. It explores the use of alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, particularly in the context of mental illness.

Details

• College: University of the West of England, Bristol
• Course: Mental Health Nursing
• Grade: Pass
• Author: Timothy John Whittard (Author)
• Publication Year: 2006
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V471345
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668959972
• ISBN (Book): 9783668959989
• Language: English
• Tags: Maladaptive Adaptive Coping Strategies Techniques Mental Health Nursing Care Patient Stress Reflective Practice