Betty Neuman

Betty Neuman, RN, BSN, MSN, PhD, FAAN

Why I chose Betty Neuman  I chose Betty Neuman as my nurse theorist because I feel as though her theory not only helps nurses provide their patients with holistic care, but it also helps them understand the importance of systemic and environmental variables on a person’s mental health.

Theory  Neuman views the client as an open system consisting of a basic structure or central core of energy resources surrounded by two lines of resistance. 2 Lines of resistance: internal factors that help the client defend against a stressor. 2 The lines outside the lines of resistance are lines of defense. 2 ○ Normal line of defense represents the person's state of equilibrium 2 ○ The flexible line of defense is dynamic and is the protective buffer that prevents stressors from getting to the normal line of defense 2

Betty Neuman’s Theory Model

Influencing Factors  Betty Neuman’s theory focuses on the wellness of the client system in relation to environmental stressors and reactions to stressors. 1  The five client system variables are: physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual. 1-2  The four environmental influences are: internal, external interpersonal, external extrapersonal, and created. 1-2

Stressors  Neuman describes a stressor as any environmental force that alters the system’s stability. 1 Internal stressors: stressors that occur within the individual (i.e. an infection) 2 Interpersonal stressors: stressors that occur between individuals (i.e. unrealistic role expectations) 2 Extrapersonal stressors: stressors that occur outside the person (i.e. financial problems) 2 Created stressors: stressors that are unconsciously created 2

How do Stressors affect People  The way people react to stressors depends on the strength of their lines of defense. 1-2  When the lines of defense fail, the resulting reaction depends on the strength of the lines of resistance.

Nursing Interventions  Betty Neuman’s nursing interventions focus on retaining or maintaining system stability. 2  The three levels that these interventions are carried out in are: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

First Preventive Level 1. Primary Prevention This level focuses on identifying risk factors, attempting to eliminate the stressor, and focusing on protecting the normal line of defense and strengthening the flexible line of defense. 2 During this level, a reaction has not yet occurred, but the degree of risk is known. 2

Second Preventative Level 2. Secondary Prevention Interventions and or active treatment initiated after symptoms have have occurred This level focuses on strengthening internal lines of resistance, reduces the reaction, and increases resistance factors. 2

Third Preventative Level 3. Tertiary Prevention This level focuses on readaptation and stability and protects reconstitution or return to wellness following treatment. 2 During this level, the nurses role is to educate the patient in ways to strengthen their resistance to stressors and different strategies they can use to prevent recurrences of reaction or regression. 2

Conclusion  Betty Neuman’s model defines the importance of stressors and certain factors as to why people react in certain ways.  Her model can be used to help nurses, individuals, families, and communities understand why people act in certain ways.

How I will use this information in my Practice  All of the information I have learned from Betty Neuman’s theory will help me when dealing with distraught individuals because I will have a better understanding as to why they are reacting the way they are and how I can help them strengthen their ability to cope with certain aspects of life in a better way.

References 1. Betty Neuman’s Systems Model. (2008). Retrieved from /03/betty-neumans-systems-model.html 1. Blais, K. K. & Hayes, J.S. (2011). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives, (6 th e.d.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson