HELEN C.

ERICKSON

The University of Michigan

PhD, Educational Psychology
1976 – 1984
MS, 1974-76; BSN, 1972-74
Activities and Societies: Sigma Theta Tau, Rho Chapter
Saginaw General Hospital School of Nursing
Diploma in Nursing, Nursing
1954 – 1957
 INTRODUCTION

Erickson's Modeling and Role Modeling Theory

The Modeling and Role Modeling Theory was

developed by Helen C. Erickson, Evelyn M. Tomlin,
and Mary Anne P. Swain. It was first published in 1983
in their book Modeling and Role Modeling: a Theory and
Paradigm for Nursing. The theory enables nurses to care
for and nurture each patient with an awareness of and
respect for the individual patient's uniqueness. This
exemplifies theory-based clinical practice that focuses
on the patient's needs(Helen C. Erickson, 2011).
 HISTORY OF HELEN C. ERICKSON

Clinical Background
ER and Medical - Surgical Nursing
Director of Health Services; San German, Puerto Rico
Independent Psychiatric Nurse Consultant
Current Activities
Actively researching Modeling and Role-Modeling Theory
Professor Emeritus; University of Texas at Austin
Faculty Consultant for MRM; Various Schools of Nursing &
Service Agencies
Board of Directors; American Holistic Nurses Certification
Corporation (The Society for the Advancement of Modeling and
Role Modeling, 2011).
 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Maslow's Theory of Human Needs was used to help

label and articulate Helen Erickson's observations the
unmet basic needs interfere with holistic growth whereas
satisfied needs promote growth.

The MRM Theory was written over several years.

Culmination of work published in the book, "Modeling
and Role-Modeling: A Theory and Paradigm for
Nursing", in 1983 (The Society for the Advancement of
Modeling and Role Modeling, 2011).
 INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHY

Helen Erickson credits Milton H. Erickson in

the formulation of Modeling and Role-
Modeling, when he told her to "Model the
client's world, understand it as they do, then
role-model the picture the client has drawn,
building a healthy world for them."(The Society
for the Advancement of Modeling and Role
Modeling, 2011).
 INFLUENCE OF PHILOSOPHY

The Theory of Modeling and Role-Modeling enables the

nurse to care for and nurture each client with an
awareness of and respect for the individuals uniqueness.
This type of care giving exemplifies theory-based clinical
practice that focuses on the clients needs. Care is offered
that recognizes that clients have the knowledge and the
ability to understand what has made them sick, as well as
what will make them well (Sappington & Kelley, 1996)
.
 REFERENCES

Helen C. Erickson. (2011). Retrieved from Nursing theory: http://nursing-

theory.org/theories-and-models/erickson-modeling-and-role-modeling-
theory.php
The Society for the Advancement of Modeling and Role Modeling. (2011, February 14).
Retrieved from http://www.mrmnursingtheory.org/
Sappington, J., & Kelley, J. (1996). Modeling and Re-Modeling Theory. Journal
of Holistic Nursing, 130.