Social psychology

Introduction

As a discipline, social psychology involves understanding the actions of individual community members in a social setting, such as a nursing home. Nurses were already involved in providing nursing care for patients infected with HIV/AIDs even before the discovery of antiretroviral drugs. In all hospitals and in separate nursing homes across the states, nurses have been caring for HIV patients. However, the general psychological principles in the study of social classes of patients with AIDs in various nursing homes are important. The study paper focuses on the analysis of social classes when discussing real life scenarios using basic psychological principles. Nursing homes, often designed to serve the old face particular challenges that include lack of trained attendants, inadequate equipment, and other critical facilities such as beds and all these factors change the psychological dynamics of AIDs patients who seek services from nursing homes. Analysis of a group of AIDs patients in a nursing home must consider psychology concepts such as group affiliations, group identity, stereotypes, prejudice, attitudes and discrimination, social influence, obedience, and authority.

Affiliation and Social Interaction

The idea of association can translate into acceptance or an open social and friendly relationship among the group members, who are interested in cooperating, communicating, and sharing their contacts with one another. Social psychology considers affiliation an essential need for all humanity, and it is inborn. People often establish close relationships especially when they need safety, a common aspect in social interactions with common goals. For example, in an aids nursing home, all the group members have one goal, lead a better life as they see their families grow, hence the need for affiliations that involves sharing not only dreams but also frustrations. HIV patients in nursing homes experience low levels of stigma associated with isolation and discrimination that exist in various societies across the world.

Social Integration

When a person comes to the realization that he or she has contracted HIV, there is a feeling of isolation that potential psychological discrimination triggers. Nursing homes, therefore, offer an environment for social integration of HIV patients that facilitates participation in a broad category of social activities. Social integration in nursing homes not only enhance the sense of belonging to HIV patients but also promotes the self-worth of a patient particularly given the social roles in which they participate as a group. It is crucial to acknowledge the role of social integration in providing motivation and the social pressure that is vital in HIV self-management. For example, unlike other HIV patients living in their private residents, nursing homes enable HIV patients to adhere to medication and are in a better position to benefit from the enhanced physical and psychological outcomes that come from social integration. Studies have confirmed that the perception of a group identity that HOIV patients derive from nursing homes has significantly reduced stigma among HIV/AIDs patients.

Stereotypes and Prejudices

Some stereotypes and prejudices surround HIV infections such as homosexuality, prostitution, use of drugs, and infidelity. The fear of death upon contracting HIV causes stigma amongst the patients. Such stereotypes and prejudice are among the factors that have significantly hampered the management and prevention of HIV/AIDs infections. Stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDs result from the prejudice, adverse attitudes as well as the abuses that are often channeled towards HID/AIDs patients. Studies have shown that about 50 percent of populations across nations where such studies have been conducted have discriminatory tendencies towards HIV patients. For example, most people tend to limit their contact with HIV-positive individuals for the reasons that bound on myths and fear. It is, therefore, prudent when analyzing a group of AIDs patients in a nursing home to consider the effects of stereotypes and prejudices in their lives.

Social Influence and Obedience

The concept of social influence is critical in the social psychology of various social groups. In every social group, people do influence one another in several ways. Social influence is always a product of shared emotions, opinions and behaviors that are common in social groups such as nursing homes. Social influence manifests in several forms that include peer pressure, obedience, and socialization among others. Every social group has simple rules and certain set principles to which every team member must adhere. For example, if one is a member of a particular group and does not behave in a manner that corresponds to the expectations of other team members, other group members will naturally express their reservations and rejection. The informal group leadership has some authority that each member has to obey and respect for sustainable social interactions and cooperation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, group analysis of social groups such as a group of AIDs patients in a nursing home requires the inclusion of social psychology concepts such as group affiliations, group identity, stereotypes, prejudice, attitudes and discrimination, social influence, obedience, and authority. The concepts are vital in understanding group dynamics and individual critical aspects that define their coexistence and sustainability in a manner that enhanced set goals.