Orem Theory Essay

2202 Words9 Pages
Introduction
Dorothea Orem was one of the most influential nursing theorists where her wisdoms and enthusiasm continue on throughout the world by others (Hartweg & Fleck, 2010). Orem produced a general theory, which is the self-care deficit theory. It consists of three affiliating theories: the theory of self-care, the theory of self-care deficit, and the theory of nursing systems (Foster, 2010). Orem derived this theory through her countless experiences, her knowledge and proficiency, and her strong passion in pursuing life-long education in nursing. In this theory, Orem concentrates mainly on self-care which she defines as “the performance or practice of activities that individuals initiate and perform on their own behalf to maintain life, health, and well-being” (Foster, 2010). Therefore, this theory encourages an individual’s participation in sustaining his or her own health. As discussed by Fawcett (2005), nursing models revolves around four metaparadigms of nursing: health, person, nursing and environment. In this paper, we will discuss Orem’s self-care deficit theory pertaining to the four metaparadigms and also the application of this theory to current clinical settings. Health

Health is denoted by the World Health’s Organization as “a state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (“WHO definition of health 1948,” 2013, para.1). Orem agreed with the definition but she remarks that as an individual’s mental and physical state changes, the individual’s description of health changes as well (Foster, 2010). Sonata (2010) mentions that Orem views health as a state of well-being, which indicates an individual’s perceived state of existence, defined by contentment, pleasure, happiness and advancing towards self-ideals. Therefore, if any of these psychological and physical conditions are not fulfilled, health
Open Document