Understanding People

The Whole Person:

PhysicalSocialPsychologicalSpiritualThese parts cannot be separated. Each part relates to and depends on the other.

Group Question #1

What is “behavior”?

Give 5 examples of behavior. (example: hitting someone if angry).

What is “behavior”?

The way a person actsBehavior can be affected by physical, social, emotional and cognitive factors.Example: If you are physically tired, you might yawn.

Example: If you are feeling angry(emotional) you might hit someone.

Group Questions #2

What is a “need”?

What are 5 needs that all humans share?(example: air/oxygen)

A Need:It is something necessary or desired for maintaining life and mental well-being.

What are some needs that all people share?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs5 basic needs must be met for a person to survive

and function.

The lower needs are the most important and must be met before the higher level needs.

Lower needs

Higher needs

Physical Needs:

OxygenFoodWaterEliminationExerciseRestTouchSex

Safety and Security Needs:

ShelterSafetyProtectionClothingHelp

Social Needs (love and belonging):

ApprovalLoveAcceptanceAffectionFamily Friends

Self-Esteem: Seeing oneself as useful and valuable

Respect from othersSelf-respectSuccessPossessionsRewards: something you get for doing something good or useful

Self-actualization/fulfillment

Feeling satisfied with your achievementsIndependencePersonal excellence

Human development

Everyone experiences changes in these three areas as they get older.

1. physical2. social/emotional3. cognitive

8 Stages of Human Development

1. Infancy (birth to 1 year)2. Toddler (1-3 years)3. Preschool (3-5 years)4. School Age (5-12 years)5. Adolescence (12-20 years)6. Young adult (20-45 years)7. Middle adult (45-65 years)8. Older adult (65 and older)

Changes in Older Adults (65 and older)

Physical: – May experience more chronic

illness, such as hypertension.–Decreased vision –Decreased strength and balance;

increased risk of falling

Changes in Older Adults

Social/Emotional– May experience old age as positive and

feel increased energy and creativity.– May have lower self-esteem because of

loss of loved ones, loss of work roles, and physical abilities.

Changes in Older Adults

Cognitive:–May experience some memory loss–Generally maintains (keeps) mental

abilities but may make decisions more slowly.

Group Question #4

Can you give examples of changes adolescents (ages 12-20) go through?

PhysicalSocial/EmotionalCognitive

How do human needs affect behavior?

Example: How might a resident behave if his/her social needs are not being met?A resident may ask to be brought to the activity room so he/she can interact with other people and not feel so lonely.

Culture and Religion

Affects behavior during illnessAffects communicationAffects their hygiene habits, clothing, and food choicesAn individual person might not follow ALL practices of his/her culture and religion.

Group Question #5

Give examples of how not ALL persons follow ALL practices of their culture or religion.