Person Variables
Each layer, or concentric circle, of the Neuman model is made up of
the five person variables. Ideally, each of the person variables should
be considered simultaneously and comprehensively.
- Physiological - refers of the physicochemical structure and function
of the body.
- Psychological - refers to mental processes and emotions.
- Sociocultural - refers to relationships; and social/cultural expectations
and activities.
- Spiritual - refers to the influence of spiritual beliefs.
- Developmental - refers to those processes related to development
over the lifespan.
Central Core
The basic structure, or central core, is made up of the basic survival
factors that are common to the species (Neuman, 1995, in George, 1996).
These factors include: system variables, genetic features, and the strengths
and weaknesses of the system parts. Examples of these may include: hair
color, body temperature regulation ability, functioning of body systems
homeostatically, cognitive ability, physical strength, and value systems.
The person's system is an open system and therefore is dynamic and constantly
changing and evolving. Stability, or homeostasis, occurs when the amount
of energy that is available exceeds that being used by the system. A homeostatic
body system is constantly in a dynamic process of input, output, feedback,
and compensation, which leads to a state of balance.
Flexible Lines of Defense
The flexible line of defense is the outer barrier or cushion to the normal
line of defense, the line of resistance, and the core structure. If the
flexible line of defense fails to provide adequate protection to the normal
line of defense, the lines of resistance become activated. The flexible
line of defense acts as a cushion and is described as accordion-like as
it expands away from or contracts closer to the normal line of defense.
The flexible line of defense is dynamic and can be changed/altered in
a relatively short period of time.
Normal Line of Defense
The normal line of defense represents system stability over time. It is
considered to be the usual level of stability in the system. The normal
line of defense can change over time in response to coping or responding
to the environment. An example is skin, which is stable and fairly constant,
but can thicken into a callus over time.
Lines of Resistance
The lines of resistance protect the basic structure and become activated
when environmental stressors invade the normal line of defense. Example:
activation of the immune response after invasion of microorganisms. If
the lines of resistance are effective, the system can reconstitute and
if the lines of resistance are not effective, the resulting energy loss
can result in death.
Reconstitution
Reconstitution is the increase in energy that occurs in relation to the
degree of reaction to the stressor. Reconstitution begins at any point
following initiation of treatment for invasion of stressors. Reconstitution
may expand the normal line of defense beyond its previous level, stabilize
the system at a lower level, or return it to the level that existed before
the illness.
Stressors
The Neuman Systems Model looks at the impact of stressors on health
and addresses stress and the reduction of stress (in the form of stressors).
Stressors are capable of having either a positive or negative effect on
the client system. A stressor is any environmental force which can potentially
affect the stability of the system: they may be:
- Intrapersonal - occur within person, e.g. emotions and feelings
- Interpersonal - occur between individuals, e.g. role expectations
- Extrapersonal - occur outside the individual, e.g. job or finance
pressures
The person has a certain degree of reaction to any given stressor at
any given time. The nature of the reaction depends in part on the strength
of the lines of resistance and defense. By means of primary, secondary
and tertiary interventions, the person (or the nurse) attempts to restore
or maintain the stability of the system.
Prevention
As defined by Neuman's model, prevention is the primary nursing intervention.
Prevention focuses on keeping stressors and the stress response from having
a detrimental effect on the body.
Primary
Primary prevention occurs before the system reacts to a stressor. On
the one hand, it strengthens the person (primarily the flexible line of
defense) to enable him to better deal with stressors, and on the other
hand manipulates the environment to reduce or weaken stressors. Primary
prevention includes health promotion and maintenance of wellness.
Secondary
Secondary prevention occurs after the system reacts to a stressor and
is provided in terms of existing systems. Secondary prevention focuses
on preventing damage to the central core by strengthening the internal
lines of resistance and/or removing the stressor.
Tertiary
Tertiary prevention occurs after the system has been treated through
secondary prevention strategies. Tertiary prevention offers support to
the client and attempts to add energy to the system or reduce energy needed
in order to facilitate reconstitution.
