Effective Communication in Child Healthcare: A Psychosocial Approach

1162 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Why i like Erikson's theory

Communication is essential in all human interactions and is defined as an exchange of information between individuals through shared symbols and signs (Ruesch & Bateson, 1987). It encompasses not only verbal forms such as spoken words but also nonverbal forms which include facial expressions, body movements and gestures. Effective communication conforms to a person’s culture, ethnicity, age, psychological development and spiritual and religious beliefs in order to be understood properly. As today’s health care moves to a patient-centered approach, communication among nurses and patients is a top priority. This paper will focus on effective communication among children in the health care setting in relation to their psychosocial developmental …show more content…

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2005), infants are defined as the age of birth to 12 months old, toddlers are defined as 12-36 months of age, preschoolers are defined as 3-6 years of age, school-age children are defined as 6-12 years of age and adolescents are defined as 12-18 years of age. In correlation with the defined age groups, Erik Erickson described the development of identity of the self through successive stages that unfold throughout the life span (Erickson, 1968, 1995; Erickson & Erickson 1998). He established Erickson’s theory of psychosocial development stating a person needs to establish trust in self, others and self-worth. Communication has a direct association with developmental stages due to the ability of the brain to process information as well as the context in which the patient can effectively communicate. Nurses need to be cognizant of the different stages in order to appropriately confer …show more content…

Erickson defines their psychosocial stage as identity versus role confusion. At this stage the child restages through previous stages in their pursuit of identity. According to Edelman, “they would rather behave shamelessly in the eyes of their parents than be forced into behavior that would bring ridicule from their peers” (Lee, 2014). Because of these factors, they communicate by talking in-depth about themselves and their relationships with others (Gable, 2014). They want to understand who they are becoming and what others think and feel about them. To effectively communicate with this age group, they must be treated more as adults than children. Their privacy should be respected at all times. Information should be provided to them as they request it and they should be allowed to make decisions about their health care as long as it correlates with their guardian’s choices. Since they are unsure of themselves, a nurse should use problem solving to assist them in making choices (Potter & Perry,

Show More
Related

  • Essay On The 6 C's Of Nursing

    1102 Words  | 3 Pages

    These are Verbal, Non-Verbal and Written communication. Verbal communication refers to spoken contact between individuals, Non-Verbal is unspoken communication such as body language and written communication that uses a different pathway such as a letter. The success of verbal communication is dependent on precise, well defined, clear and age appropriate contact (RCN 2015). For example, a paediatric patient’s diagnosis may be approached with a less detailed account of the illness, thus not to confuse the individual or provoke fear. Furthermore non-verbal communication constructs a large percentage of paediatric nursing cases, due to circumstances where verbal communication is not possible. Patient-oriented care is vital for growing an understanding of the individual’s non-verbal signs of pain, which expressed the importance of actively looking for distress signals (Mattsson 2002). Finally written communication acts as the record keeping and documentation element of nursing care, which is a fundamental skill for all medical staff (NMC 2002). Incorrect written communication can lead to individual missing key changes in a patient’s condition thus leading to a potential fall in a patient’s health (Inan and Dinc

    Read More

  • Biopsychosocial Assessment Examples

    1789 Words  | 4 Pages

    Erickson’s Theory has 8 stages (Schriver, 2011). The following text will give the developmental crisis of each stage and relate it to Shannon’s life personally. In Erikson’s Theory developmental crisis “did not mean an impending catastrophe as much as it meant “a turning point, a crucial period of increased vulnerability and heightened potential”” (Schriver, 2011). The first stage of Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development is Trust vs. mistrust (0-1 year) and its crisis is “in establishing trust” (Schriver, 2011). Shannon had developed trust early on in her life due to the loving, caring, and nurturing home she grew up in. She had a sense of physical comfort which eliminated fear and allowed trust. The second stage is Autonomy vs. shame (1-3 years) and the crisis is “parental restrictions vs. autonomy” (Schriver, 2011). Growing up Shannon started learning to walk at 11 months which is a normal age for children to emerge into that. Due to her parents being supportive, it allowed Shannon to start exploring her curiosities and still be loved while doing so. The third stage is Initiative vs. guilt (3-6 years) and the crisis is “in taking initiative without experiencing guilt” (Schriver, 2011). This again correlates to the supportiveness of Shannon’s parents which allows her to be her own person and encourages her to experience her life in her own way. The fourth stage is Industry vs. inferiority (6-12 years) and the crisis is “in striving for competence” (Schriver, 2011). Shannon had a great group of friends growing up and that gave her the inclusion she needed to feel equal to her peers and not inferior to anyone. The fifth stage is Identity vs. role confusion and the crisis is “uncertainty about the future and the child’s role in it” (Schriver, 2011). At this time in Shannon’s life she had already strengthened her hope (trust), will, purpose, and

    Read More

  • Improving Communication in Healthcare Organizations

    2556 Words  | 6 Pages

    In healthcare one of the major obstacles employees attempt to overcome is the communication gap. The outpatient clinics in particular find it challenging to keep in contact with the hospital. In the healthcare market to have success you must have communication. Romano observed that hospitals are branching out; outpatient setting offer lucrative services that are rendered in a well-situated environment (2006). The outpatient sector is where the profit is made; this is clearly the way of the future. If prospective clinics are to fulfill patient and employees needs, a communication policy must be put into practice. By employing a communication strategy employees will be more productive, more informed, and administration could expect to see enhanced customer service.

    Read More

  • Eric Erikson's Theory Of Human Phychosocial Development

    925 Words  | 2 Pages

    The first stage of Erik Erikson 's theory of psychosocial development takes place between birth and one year of age. It is the most important stage in life. He named this stage, Trust vs. Mistrust. At this important time in a child’s development, the child is completely dependent on an adult for everything; food, love, warmness, protection, and nurturing. If the caregiver fails to be successful in providing acceptable care and love, the young child will feel that they cannot trust or depend on the adults in their life. When a young child develops trust, the child will feel safe and protected in the world. If a child fails to develop trust,

    Read More

  • Effective Communication With Children, Young People And Adults

    1805 Words  | 4 Pages

    Explain why effective communication is important in developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults

    Read More

  • Personality Theory And Erikson's Eight Stages Of Psychological Development

    1396 Words  | 3 Pages

    Erikson believes a person’s personality changes throughout their lifespan and primarily focuses on ego. Furthermore, ego is a person’s sense of self-importance or self- acceptance. This is a major factor when discussing personality because how we perceive ourselves, reflects onto others. Erikson’s eight stages of psychological development consist of infancy, early childhood, preschool, middle school, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age and old age. He indicates that during each stage of life a person experiences a psychological crisis, which could aid in a negative or positive result. During the infancy stage, the psychological crisis is trust vs. mistrust, meaning total dependence on the mother or father. If either or both parents show love and attention, then the child will develop trust, or otherwise mistrust if neglected. Early childhood, around the ages two to three years old a child becomes more mobile and shows signs of independence. The caregivers will either assist the child in all their needs or wait patiently as they figure them out on their own. Erikson distinguishes the importance of allowing children to face their own challenges with the tolerance of failure. This will provide the willingness to push through hard times and overcome adversity. Stage 3, initiative vs. guilt describes the interaction between other children and their ability to make decisions. A child will initiate activity with others continuously when he or she feels secure. Nevertheless, when children are told ‘no’ they react with feelings of guilt. The fourth stage of Erikson’s theory begins to explain inferiority. In this stage, a student will be introduced to teachers who become a major part of a child’s psychological development. With encouragement, children will feel confident in themselves, whereas negative reinforcement may cause self-doubt. Identity vs.

    Read More

  • Gary Soto’s The Jacket

    1598 Words  | 4 Pages

    Singleton, Laura. “Developmental Differences And Their Clinical Impact In Adolescents.” British Journal of Nursing 16.3 (2007): 140-143. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Nov 2013.

    Read More

  • What Is Identity Development Essay

    1488 Words  | 3 Pages

    He implemented eight psychosocial stages which includes trust versus mistrust. One example of the specified inclusions are infants. In order to come to a resolution for these feelings of insecurity, infants look towards their care givers for care and stability to fulfill their desired needs. With autonomy versus shame stage, children begin to assert their independence, utilizing their skills otherwise they will end up doubting their abilities. Initiative versus guilt is another stage where pre-scholars develop initiative by devising and carrying out bold plans. These people plan activities, developing a sense of initiative with others therefore feeling secure in their ability to lead and make decisions. The identity versus role confusion stage is noted as Erikson’s most popular. He characterized adolescence as a crucial and critical time of identity development. To achieve a sense of identity some adolescents attempt to define and explore who they are regarding their career choice, religion, political views, sexual orientation etc., figuring out a way to fit into society. According to Erikson, “the adolescent mind is essentially a mind or moratorium, a psychosocial stage between the morality learned by the child, and the ethics to be developed by the adult” (Erikson, 1963, p.245. As they go through the different sexual and

    Read More

  • Erickson's Theory Examining The Eight Stages Of Phychosocial Development

    917 Words  | 2 Pages

    I believe Erickson’s phenomenological theory concerning the eight stages of psychosocial development was inherently designed to be very simplistic, yet impetus. Not only does Erickson’s work expand from Freud’s psychosexual stages of development but it has improved and broadened the concept and understanding (my opinion) of childhood development from a conscious perspective, thereby betiding core conflicts as a framework to support therapists for making appropriate interventions. Erickson’s stages seem to have built upon a systematic biological foundation of development. It makes sense. In life we all go through stages of life from conception to birth to adulthood and thus eldership. His theory demonstrates basic chronological characteristics.

    Read More

  • Studying Erikson, Piaget, And Kohlberg's Theory Of Child Development

    1020 Words  | 3 Pages

    Children’s behaviors and reactions have always been so interesting to me. Studying Erikson, Piaget, and Kohlberg’s different theories on human development has given me a much deeper understanding of these behaviors. Although their theories are different, they do share three assumptions according to an article on SparkNotes.com: 1. People pass through stages in a specific order, with each stage building on capacities developed in the previous stage. 2. Stages are related to age. 3. Development is discontinuous, with qualitatively different capacities emerging in each stage” ("Psychology/Development," 2012, p. 1). While studying these three theorists it has affected my own idea of human development in two ways. Additionally, my view of how a patient has been raised has affected my nursing care. I admit that when I care for a child, a majority of the time I silently blame the parents for the improper actions of the child. It is easy for me to forgo disciplining an adolescent patient. I often say to myself, it is not the child’s fault and excuse them for their behaviors, mainly because I believed that is how they were raised and they don’t know better.

    Read More

  • Communication In Health And Social Care

    325 Words  | 1 Pages

    Social care workers working in the area of mental health need the skills to work well with people of all ages in order to fulfil their roles. Some other skills that must be obtained by these workers include;

    Read More

  • Effective Communication In Health And Social Care

    259 Words  | 1 Pages

    In this essay I am going to be explaining about effective communication and how important aspect it is in health and social care setting. NHS has been getting a lot of complains regarding of patience being misunderstood, which could result to misdiagnosed, non-complaints to treatments and mistrust of medical and social services. In 2011/2012 a report has shown the biggest overhaul to the NHS in over 60 years. After that a new law had been put to place (health and social care act 2012). It also shows using effective communication; it would clear-out the barriers between the professionals and service users. Hugman (2009, p.15) describes effective communication as “a reciprocal, interactive process in which sender and recipient

    Read More

  • Occupational Therapy Essay

    814 Words  | 2 Pages

    When working in occupational therapy we will have opportunity to work with patients of all ages from a variety of backgrounds. To provide the best care possible for our patients, we need to be aware of how to properly communicate with and educate any patient. In a pediatric facility or hospital we may have infants as patients; the age of an infant is from birth to one year old. Infants have many needs such as love, comfort, warmth, feeding and drinking, and a strong sense of security (Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, 2003). If any of these needs are neglected or inadequate the emotional and/or physiological well-being and development of the infant will be at risk. As with all of our patients we need to look at an infant

    Read More

  • The Importance of Communication Skills for Healthcare Providers

    1214 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout the semester, in this course as well as through the experiences I have had in the clinic, it has become exceedingly more clear that communication skills are equally if not more important for a healthcare provider than the education they have received. It is inherent in our human nature to trust those who treat us with kindness and understanding. It is because of this fact that communication skills are as vital to effective care as clinical skills in the practice of medicine. Balancing these two key components of healthcare is becoming more challenging each day in our community as healthcare is advancing and the demographics of patients in drastically diversifying. This strain on the field shows great opportunity for growth as a field but also opens the door for patients to slip through the cracks due to language, cultural or educational barriers. Medical providers, Optometrists in particular are being forced to adapt their practice models in order to accommodate this change. Best practice models are changing and communication is the basis allowing for this change.

    Read More

  • Case Study: The Importance Of Communication In Nursing

    1008 Words  | 3 Pages

    Research evidence shows strong positive relationship between a healthcare team member’s communication skills and patient’s ability to adhere to medical orders, self-manage a chronic medical condition, and adopt preventive health behaviours. Studies conducted within the past three decades indicate that with clinician’s ability to explain, listen, and empathize there is significant improvement in patients’ satisfaction, health status, greater biological and functional health outcomes as well as experience of care. Communication among healthcare team members also revealed profound impact on patient safety, quality of working relationships and job satisfaction.

    Read More

More about Effective Communication in Child Healthcare: A Psychosocial Approach

Open Document