The Betty Neuman Systems Model

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Betty Neuman’s Systems Model
A Look into Nursing Theories
Syreeta Watkins, RN; Kim Thompson, RN; Devah Mateen, RN
Winston-Salem State University Nursing 2312
Prof Faye Mauldin, RN, MSN
April 26, 2011

Nursing can be described as a combination of both an art and a science because not only does it include natural and human sciences such as biology and psychology but it also has the ability to morally guide nursing practice and form trusting relationships. With both aspects of art and science being incorporated into nursing, it allows for the focus to be concentrated on the wholeness of an individual. Throughout history, several nursing theorist have developed unique system models in order to provide a framework that guides nursing actions and research by bringing together ideas and concepts to form a meaningful whole. The Neuman Systems Model is one of those models and is widely used in nursing today.
The Neuman Systems Model (NSM) was originally developed at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1970 by Betty Neuman, Ph.D., RN (Heyman and Wolfe 2007). Like many other previously published models, Dr. Neuman’s goal was to provide a wholistic overview of human beings. According to Neuman, a person is considered to be a multidimensional being with several layers. These layers consist of the central core, lines of resistance, lines of normal defense, and lines of flexible defense. The model proposes that the client is a system that is in constant interaction with intra-, inter-, and/or extra-personal phenomena also known as environmental stressors. The flexible line of defense is the first line of defense against these stressors. It includes five different variables; physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual. The client’s usual state of health is represented by the lines of normal defense. If the client’s usual state
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