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CHAPTER 16 Betty Neuman 283

MAJOR CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS

Betty Neuman (2011b) describes the Neuman sys- reaction to stress are basic components of an open
tems model by stating the following: system (Neuman, 2011c, p. 328; see also Neuman,
1982, 1989, 1995, 2002b).
The Neuman Systems Model is a unique, open-
systems-based perspective that provides a unifying Function or Process
focus for approaching a wide range of concerns.
A system acts as a boundary for a single client, The client as a system exchanges energy, informa-
a group, or even a number of groups; it can also tion, and matter with the environment as well as
be defined as a social issue. A client system in other parts and subparts of the system as it uses
interaction with the environment delineates the available energy resources to move toward stability
domain of nursing concerns (p. 3). and wholeness.(Neuman, 2011c, p. 328; see also
Neuman, 1982, 1989, 1995, 2002b).
Major concepts identified in the model (see Figure
16–1) are wholistic approach, open system (includ- Input and Output
ing function, input and output, feedback, negent- For the client as a system, input and output are the
ropy, and stability), environment (including created matter, energy, and information that are exchanged
environment), client system (including five client between the client and the environment (Neuman,
variables, basic structure, lines of resistance, normal 2011c, p. 328).
line of defense, and flexible line of defense), health
(wellness to illness), stressors, degree of reaction, Feedback
prevention as intervention (three levels), and recon- System output in the form of matter, energy, and
stitution (Neuman, 2011c, pp 327–329; see also information serves as feedback for future input for
Neuman, 1982, 1989, 1995, 2002b).
corrective action to change, enhance, or stabilize the
Wholistic Approach system (Neuman, 2011c, p. 327).
The Neuman Systems Model is a dynamic, open, Negentropy
systems approach to client care originally developed
to provide a unifying focus for defining nursing The process of energy conservation that assists system
problems and for understanding the client in inter- in the progression toward stability or wellness is
action with the environment. The client as a system negentropy (Neuman, 2011c, p. 328; see also Neuman,
may be defined as a person, family, group, commu- 1982, 1989, 1995, 2002b).
nity, or social issue (Neuman, 2011c).
Clients are viewed as wholes whose parts are in Stability
dynamic interaction. The model considers all vari- Stability is a dynamic and desirable state of bal-
ables simultaneously affecting the client system: ance in which energy exchanges can take place
physiological, psychological, sociocultural, develop- without disruption of the character of the system,
mental, and spiritual. Neuman included the spiritual which points toward optimal health and integrity
variable in the second edition (1989). She changed (Neuman, 2011c, p. 328; see also Neuman, 1982,
the spelling of the term holistic to wholistic in the 1989, 1995, 2002b).
second edition to enhance understanding of the
term as referring to the whole person (B. Neuman, Environment
personal communication, June 20, 1988). As defined by Neuman, “ . . . internal and external
forces surrounding the client, influencing and be-
Open System ing influenced by the client, at any point in time”
A system is open when there is a continuous flow of (Neuman, 2011c, p. 327; see also Neuman, 1982,
input and processes, output, and feedback. Stress and 1989, 1995, 2002b).
Continued