Psychosocial Influences on Individualls Perception and Response to Health and Illness

Abstract

This essay is about the psychosocial influences on the patient’s perspective and response to health and illness. It will focus on the body image perspective of the patient who had been amputated due to Diabetes. For this essay, Mr. Jones will be used as the patient’s pseudonym. As according to Nursing Midwifery Council ([NMC], 2008), confidentiality and pseudonyms shall be maintained to protect the patient’s identity. This essay will use the Model of Dignity in Illness by Van Gennip, Pasman, Oosterveld-Vlug, Willems and Onwuteaka-Philipsen (2013) which includes the three components that shape self-perception. These components are ‘The Individual Self’ (how the patients see themselves), ‘Relational Self’ (the reciprocal interaction with others) and ‘Societal Self’ (how the society see them). This Model will be used to help understand Mr. Jones’ perspective on living with his condition, how these can affect his health and health behaviours and personal dignity. The Royal College of Nursing ([RCN], 2008) defined dignity as the feelings, thoughts and behaviours of people which relates to their value or worth which are respectful to every individual. When dignity is present, people will feel valued and have control with their lives. People feel confident to make decisions for themselves if they feel the sense of dignity but if otherwise, they may feel ashamed and humiliated. They added that every individual should be treated with respect at all times.