Betty Neuman's Systems Model

Betty Neuman’s systems model is a systems theory based on the premise that a person is made of diverse components that interact with one another affecting the person as a whole (Hood, 2014, p. 129). In addition, Hood (2004) notes that these interactions are ongoing and ever-changing, making the systems itself complex and varied (p. 128). Neuman’s systems model philosophy indicates that “the purpose of nursing is to facilitate optimal client system stability by reducing the impact of environmental stimuli or stressors” (Hood, 2014, p. 131). The Neuman’s system theory has been widely used as a guide for nursing practice, education, research, and administration, and to this date is still relevant and provides a holistic approach to patient care (Nursing Theories, 2002).
Neuman’s system model explains that all human beings have protective mechanisms
Coleen Kumar introduces us to diabetic patient Stella C., an obese 49-year-old woman diagnosed ten years ago with diabetes type 2 (p. 104). Applying Neuman’s system model to Stella C.’s case, we can identify that her intrapersonal stressors arise from her own comorbidities. She struggles with her diabetes diagnostic and is currently suffering from neuropathies, inadequate blood sugar control, obesity, poor diet management, and fatigue. Stella C.’s interpersonal stressors arise from her role as her mother’s primary caregiver. In addition to her own health issues, she has to tend for her elderly mother who also has diabetes, mild hypertension, and chronic arthritis. Extrapersonal stressors that may affect Stella C.’s health status could be her living arrangements, work-related assignments, and potential duties in church (Kumar, 2007). All these stressors can wear down Stella C.’s protective line of defenses leaving her exposed to exacerbations and complications of her