MW1107: Behavioral Science

Course Description:

This course introduces students to psychology, sociology, and anthropology as applied to health and patient care. It emphasizes human behavior, development, stress, culture, and social factors affecting health, preparing students to provide holistic, ethical, and culturally sensitive nursing care.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will:

1. Explain key concepts of psychology, sociology, and anthropology relevant to midwifery
2. Analyze how human growth, development, personality, motivation, stress, and coping influence patient behavior and health outcomes.
3. Demonstrate effective communication skills and therapeutic nurse–patient relationships using behavioral science principles.
4. Examine the influence of family, culture, community, and social institutions on health and illness.
5. Apply cultural competence and ethical principles when caring for patients from diverse backgrounds.

Required Materials:

• Psychology for Nurses – R. Sreevani
• Sociology for Nurses – N. Jayasree
• Introduction to Behavioral Science in Medicine – A.R. Moss
• Online journals and e-resources on midwifery psychology and sociology
• Multimedia resources: videos, case studies, and interactive simulations
• Lecture notes, PowerPoint slides, and institutional guidelines