The aim of this course is to introduce students to the basics of human psychological development, the relations between human behaviours and particular stages of psychological development (traumatisation, fixation), the basics of stress theory and the effect of stress on human mental and physical health and behaviour. In particular, students will be familiarised with the psychological issues of vulnerable groups of patients (children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities) and their specific psychological needs as well as with possible resolutions to such issues. Students will be familiarised with the effect of psychological condition on the experience of pain and possibilities of alleviating pain using psychological techniques. Students will be introduced to psychological foundations of human behaviour and various factors affecting behaviour in the circumstances of experiencing pain and stress during the treatment of oral diseases. Aesthetic significance of mouth and teeth for the psychological development of humans will also be presented. Students will acquire theoretical knowledge that will improve their existing skills of working with patients and allow them to develop those skills further through direct and active contact with other people.
Biopsychosocial foundations of individuals. Concept of “human nature” and definitions of personality. Human behaviour (individual behaviour) and social behaviour. Humans as biological, psychological and social beings. Stages of human development. Stages of life: Prenatal period, birth, postnatal period. Childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Reactions to old age. Ethical aspects. Organic foundation of human behaviour. Biological foundation (genetic and environmental influence). Neuroanatomical foundation (localisation of psychological processes in the brain and the role of its individual parts in behaviour). Neurochemical determinants of behaviour (neurotransmitters and their role in the regulation of mental state and behaviour).
Psychological theories of human behaviour.
Social factors of human behaviour. Family (concept; functions; relation; parenthood; impact on child development, health and behaviour). Culture (culture and understanding the concept of health and illness). Social structure (concept and elements; status, social roles and behaviour).
Personality structure and dynamics: foundations of human behaviour.
Personality traits. Temperament. Character. Intelligence. Emotions. Motivation. Attitudes, values and interests. Behaviour and health. Concept and types of health behaviour (positive, preventive, sickness and patient behaviour). Health behaviour theories and models. Deviant behaviour. Criteria for determining the concept of deviance. Biological approach. Psychological understanding. Sociological theories. Social control and prevention of deviance.
Mental disorders and behaviour. Concept of mental health and illness. Basic models of explanation.
Stress and social support. Concept, characteristics and classification of stress.
Social support: sources and efficiency. Overcoming stress and social support.
Anxiety disorders. Concept of anxiety and anxiety disorders. Dental anxiety.
Psychosocial factors and oral health. Psychosocial factors in the aetiology of oral health issues. Psychosocial reactions and oral health disorders. Overweightness, obesity and eating disorders.
Wakefulness and sleep. Concept of wakefulness and stages of sleep. Procedures in preventing and eliminating sleep disorders.
Gender and sexuality. Sex, gender and stages of sexual development. Sexual orientation. Sexual disorders.
Aggression and violence. Concept and characteristics of aggressive behaviour. Negligence, abuse and violence. Impulse-control disorders.
Concept and theories of pain. Psychological, physical and psychogenic pain. Theories of pain.
Communication. Concept, types and manners of communication. Nonverbal communication. Verbal communication.
Health worker–patient relationship. Health profession – autonomy, monopoly, authority and responsibility. Patient’s personality. Health worker–patient interaction models.
Assigned reading:
- Havelka Mladen: Zdravstvena psihologija, Jastrebarsko, „Naklada slap“,1998
- Zarevski, P., Škrinjarić, I. I Vranić: Psihologija za stomaologe, Jastrebarsko, „Naklada slap“, 2012
Further reading:
- Lučanin, D. I Despot Lučanin, J: Komunikacije vještine u zdravstvu , Jastrebarsko, Naklada Slap,2010
- Arambašić, Lidija: Gubitak, tugovanje, podrška. Jastrebarsko, „Naklada slap“,2008
- Hudek-Knežević, Jasna i Kardum, Igor: Stres i tjelesno zdravlje. Jastrebarsko, „Naklada slap“,2006