Theoretical Foundation of Nursing
PROBLEM
NURSING THEORISTS
Dorothy Johnson (1919-1999)
- Behavioral System Model (1970-
1980)
- Grand theory (function vs
dysfunction)
- Outcome theory
- Supports nursing as a science as well
as a science as well as an art
- Nursing problems (stressors) arise
when there are disturbance in the
system or subsystem or the level of
behavioural functioning is below an
optimal level. Failure to adapt
- First, the “stressor” must be released
and removed if possible
- Secondly, natural and adaption
process
METAPARADIGM
 Man – biological system and
behavioural system
 Nursing – equilibrium in the health-
illness continuum
 Environment – influences
behavioural of individual
 Health – elusive and influenced at
different dimension (like Neuman).
Disease is outcome of behaviour
4 ELEMENTS OF THE SUBSYSTEM
1) Driven or Goal-Oriented
2) Deliberate and Action Oriented
3) Availability and Variety of options
or choices to suit the need
4) Outcome: positive behaviour
BEHAVIOR SYSTEM ISSUE OR
 Ingestive – taking in nourishment
 Eliminative – ridding the body with
waste
 Affirmative – security seeking
behaviour
 Aggressive – self-protective
behaviour
 Dependence – nurturance-seeking
behaviour
 Achievement – master of oneself and
one’s environment according to
internalized standards of excellence
 Sexual and Role identity behaviour
IMPLICATION OF NURSING
PRACTICE
 Man has the ability to select their
goals and make choices for
achieving them
 Nursing intervention are designed to
support or maintain, educate,
counsel, and modify behaviour
 Nursing actions are complementary
to the medicine
 Theory applicable in community
health nursing (CHN); as physical,
biological, and psychological factors
affect community
Poor health habits
Disturbance/Imbalance/Disease
Interventions + client’s action/intervention
Resolve/Maintain Balance