Personality Traits in Nursing

Study Notes

Definition: a characteristic feature or quality distinguishing a particular person or thing, refers to the set of qualities, ways of behaving that makes a person different from others

Definition: an emotional irritating reaction of the child to get adult attention to satisfy his desire
Causes of anger:
Restraint, interference with movements the child wishes to make
Blocking an activity already in progress, frustrating wishes, and plans
Types of anger:
Impulsive anger (called aggression, directed against persons or objects, may be physical or verbal, mild or intense)
Inhibited anger (kept under control, the child may withdraw into himself and become apathetic)

Impulsive anger:
- Avoid predisposing factors that stimulate him
- Avoid blocking his activity
- Avoid giving many commands at the same moment
- Avoid giving the child activities beyond his physical and mental capabilities
- Regulate time for sleeping, playing, and feeding
- During anger, let the child do so in a safe environment
- Displace his anger in socially acceptable manners as physical exercises
Inhibited anger:
- Direct the child's attention toward favorite activities
- Provide support, love, and security
- Encourage the child to express his feelings

Prevention or control causes:
- Modeling
- Listening
- Understanding the child's moods
- Provide a safe environment

Definition: a violent body activity that occurs when the child cannot integrate his internal impulses and demands of reality
Common during toddlerhood, peak age for tantrums is two to three, and will subside by age four
Forms of tantrum:
Lie down on the floor
Kick their feet
Scream as loud as possible
Holding their breath
Rolling around on the floor
Vomiting
Jumping up and down
Sometimes aggressive behavior
Causes of temper tantrum:
Tiredness from lack of sleep or hunger
Changes in surrounding environment (divorce, new baby in the household)
Express anger or disappointment
Wanting attention
Frustration from not accomplishing a task
Wanting something and parents refuse

The best approach is to ignore the tantrum
Parents must control their emotions, not shout or physically punish
Stay calm, as getting angry will make the situation worse
Protect the child during the tantrum to avoid injury
Offer the child options instead of "all or none"
Don't enforce the child to stop the tantrum, as it will only encourage them to increase the tantrum
If you need to speak, keep your voice calm and act slowly
After the child subsides, provide a feeling of control and security
Praise the child for positive behavior if no tantrum occurs

Definition: one of the more difficult aspects of child rearing in this age group is their persistent "NO"
Toddlers often respond with a loud "NO" almost automatically, even when they really mean "YES"

Don't ask questions that will require a "YES" or "NO" answer, as toddlers will undoubtedly say "NO"
Instead, ask open-ended questions or provide options, for example, "Would you like hot or cold milk?"