This text aims to be useful and relevant for student nurses from all backgrounds with a range of professional aspirations. It demonstrates the importance of psychology in both the nursing role and in health care in general.

Part 1 Basic principles; Chapter 01 The meaning and measurement of health; Chapter 02 The principles of behaviourist psychology; Chapter 03 Patient-centred nursing; Chapter 04 Anxiety and psychodynamic principles; Chapter 05 Cognitive psychology; Chapter 06 Social psychology; Part 02 Psychology across the lifespan and cultures; Chapter 07 Child development and health care; Chapter 08 The impact of social group on health; Chapter 09 Cultural awareness and transcultural issues; Chapter 10 Working with older adults; Chapter 11 Patient loss, bereavement and terminal illness; Part 03 Health psychology; Chapter 12 Risky behaviours: smoking, alcohol, diet and exercise; Chapter 13 Stress and stress management; Chapter 14 The psychology of pain; Chapter 15 Psychological models in health and health care; Chapter 16 Patient adherence to medical information and lifestyle change; Chapter 17 Communication and counselling skills; Chapter 18 Being admitted to hospital; Part 04 Practical applications; Chapter 19 Applying psychology to specific conditions: Part I; Chapter 20 Applying psychology to specific conditions: Part II;