This text examines the concepts which are fundamental to everyday nursing practice. Understanding how individuals function psychologically in health and illness is vital to providing appropriate care for all patients and clients.

Assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, the author explores the basis of individual psychology focusing on personality traits, beliefs systems, body-image and self-esteem. Periods of illness are seen as psychologically demanding events which individuals cope with in different ways. The book considers how we recognize and interpret the signs...