Susan Sharp is a 35year old lady who has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.She is overweight and smokes.She is aware that she does not have a healthy lifestyle but finds it hard to resist fast foods and alcohol.She is a single parent of two young children.She claims that her family have always been overweight and becomes angry when staff try to help her adapt to a diabetic diet and begin to lose weight.
ASSESSMENT:
utilising a range of psychological theories,describe the factors that have contributed to Susan's unhealthy lifestyle with regard to;
-motivation
-nature/nurture
-stress and coping
using relevant psychological concepts,discuss how health care professional could help Susan learn to change her lifestyle and becoming healthier.
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Factors contributing to Susan's unhealthy lifestyle:
Motivation: One possible factor contributing to Susan's unhealthy lifestyle is a lack of motivation. Motivation refers to the internal or external factors that drive a person to act in a particular way. Susan may lack motivation to change her lifestyle due to a combination of reasons. She may not fully understand the seriousness of her condition, or she may not believe that lifestyle changes can significantly improve her health. Additionally, Susan's anger towards staff who try to help her suggests a possible resistance to change, which can further hinder her motivation.
Nature/Nurture: The nature/nurture debate considers how a person's behavior is influenced by their genetics (nature) and their environment (nurture). In Susan's case, both nature and nurture may play a role. Susan mentions that her family has a history of being overweight, indicating a potential genetic predisposition to obesity. Additionally, growing up in a family with unhealthy habits and food choices may have influenced Susan's own lifestyle choices.
Stress and Coping: Stress can have a profound impact on an individual's lifestyle choices. Stress may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, smoking, or consuming alcohol. Susan, as a single parent of two young children, likely experiences significant stress. The demands of raising children alone may make it difficult for her to prioritize her own health and make positive lifestyle changes. Fast food and alcohol may act as temporary stress relievers for her, providing moments of escape or comfort.
Healthcare professional strategies to help Susan change her lifestyle:
1. Education: Healthcare professionals can employ educational strategies to help Susan understand the importance of lifestyle changes in managing diabetes. Providing information about the impact of diet, alcohol, and smoking on her health can help her develop a deeper understanding of the necessity for behavior change.
2. Empathy and Understanding: Fostering a non-judgmental and understanding environment is crucial in supporting Susan. Healthcare professionals should consider the challenges she faces as a single parent and acknowledge her frustration. Building a trusting and empathetic relationship can facilitate open communication and a willingness to consider change.
3. Goal-Setting and Support: Collaboratively setting realistic, achievable goals with Susan can enhance her motivation and sense of control. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps can make the process less overwhelming. Regular check-ins, support groups, or involving other healthcare professionals like dieticians can provide ongoing guidance and support.
4. Healthy Coping Strategies: Helping Susan identify alternative, healthier coping mechanisms to manage stress is essential. Encouraging her to engage in physical activity, try stress-relief techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises, and find social support from friends or support groups can assist in developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Overall, a comprehensive approach that considers Susan's motivation, nature/nurture factors, and stress coping strategies is essential in helping her adopt a healthier lifestyle. By addressing these factors and providing tailored support, healthcare professionals can increase the likelihood of long-term positive changes for Susan.