Neuman’s System Mode
A nursing theory based on the individuals relationship to stress, the reaction to it and
reconstitution factors that are dynamic in nature.
According to “Kaakinen (2018)”
The family’s primary goal is to maintain its ability by preserving the integrity of its
structure by opening and closing its boundaries.
It is a fluid model that depicts the family in motion and not a static view of family
from one perspective.
In this theory, the client is an ‘’open system’’ engaging in constant change
Betty Neuman
Born in 1924 on a farm near Lowell,Ohio
Completed initial nursing education
Worked in a variety of nursing roles - always with an interest in human behaviour.
She attended UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
1957:Completed bachelor’s degree with a double major in Public Health and
Psychology
A community health nurse
Professor and councillor
Definitions:
Client system
-consist of a basic core Structure that is protected by lines of resistance.
Line of Resistance
-lines that surround the basic structure of client system
-active when stressors penetrate
Neuman defines stressors
- as the potential warnings which cause the stress that may disrupt the systems balance.
Normal line of Defense
-protect the basic structure from moods that enter the individuals system and disrupts the
state of wellness
Flexible line of defense
-keeps an individuals normal balance,keeps the system away from stressors.
-prevents stressors from affecting the client system.
Nursing Interventions
Primary Prevention
-occurs before the system reacts to the stressor.
-includes health promotion and maintenance of wellness.
-strengthens the flexible line of defense through preventing stress and reducing risk
factors.
Secondary Prevention
-occurs before or after the system reacts to the stressor.
-include health screening and strengthening the internal lines of resistance .
-intended to identify stressors early to regain optimal system stability and to conserve
energy in doing so.
Tertiary Prevention
-occurs after the system reacts to stressors.
-includes treatment of disease.
- intended to maintain wellness or protect the client system reconstitution while
conserving energy.
Five Major variables-Client System Stressors
• Physiological
Functions of the body
Physiochemical structure
• Psychological
Mental process
emotions
• Socio-cultural variable
Social/cultural expectations
activities
• Developmental variable
Process of development over the lifespan
• Spiritual variable
Influence of spiritual belief
Types of stressors in the system
• Intrapersonal
Occurs within the individual
• Interpersonal
Occurs between individuals and the community
Role expectation
Family relationships
• Extrapersonal
Occurs outside of the individual
Financial
Jobs
Neumans definition about:
Family
Seen as a whole
Open sytem
Interacts with the environment
Individual
Family
Community
Group
Susbsystem of family members
Influenced by variables
Environment
Equated with wellness,and defined as a ‘’continuumof wellness to illness that is
dynamic in nature and is constatntly changing’’
Health
The environment is dynamically in equilibrium with the open system
Continuously adjusting with open system and environment
Interaction with internal and external forces
Nursing
The role of the nurse is to consider the wjole person and all variables that respond to stress.
Primarily the goal of the nurse is to maintain or achieved by reducing stressors through
interventions.
It outlines the :
Nursing Diagnosis
Nursing Goals
Nursing outcomes
Neumans System Model Format
