Neuman Systems Model

Five Basic Variables

Physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, and developmental.

Unique but Similar Concept

All individuals are composed of the same five basic variables.

Physiological Variable

The physical body and how it functions.

Psychological Variable

Mental processes, emotions, and state of mind.

Sociocultural Variable

Social relationships, cultural expectations, and background.

Spiritual Variable

Beliefs, values, and a sense of meaning in life.

Developmental Variable

Life stages and age-related processes.

Physiological Example

Blood pressure, a broken bone, or a fever.

Psychological Example

Feeling anxious, grieving a loss, or good coping skills.

Sociocultural Example

Family dynamics, cultural traditions, or a strong support system.

Spiritual Example

Religious faith, prayer, or a strong sense of purpose.

Developmental Example

Going through puberty, experiencing menopause, or learning to walk.

Constant Stressors

Known and unknown environmental stressors that can disrupt balance.

Normal Line of Defense

A person's established baseline and stable range of responses.

Flexible Line of Defense

A dynamic, accordion-like buffer protecting the baseline.

Wellness Energy Balance

Occurs when a person generates more energy than they use.

Illness Energy Balance

Occurs when a person burns more energy than they take in.

Lines of Resistance

Internal backup mechanisms that stabilize the body after a breach.

Intrapersonal Stressors

Stressors that occur inside the individual.

Intrapersonal Example

Physical pain, an internal infection, or negative self-talk.

Interpersonal Stressors

Stressors that occur between two or more individuals.

Interpersonal Example

An argument with a spouse or caring for a sick parent.

Extrapersonal Stressors

Stressors occurring outside the individual, usually environmental or systemic.

Extrapersonal Example

Financial struggles, losing a job, or a noisy neighborhood.

Reconstitution Definition

Recovery process after a stressor causes a reaction and treatment starts.

Reconstitution Goal

The system's attempt to heal, adapt, and return to stability.

Internal Environment

All forces or influences happening inside the client's boundaries.

Internal Environment Example

An internal infection, self-esteem, or physical pain.

External Environment

All forces or influences happening outside the client's boundaries.

External Environment Example

A conflict with a roommate or a noisy room.

Created Environment

An unconscious mental environment developed by the client to cope.

Created Environment Example

Using denial to cope or retreating into a mental safe space.

Health Definition

A state of wellness with a degree of system stability.

Nursing Definition

Caring for the whole person to maintain stability and health.

Metaparadigm - Person

The individual, family, or community receiving care.

Metaparadigm - Environment

The surroundings and forces that affect the person.

Metaparadigm - Health

A continuum of wellness to illness based on energy.

Flexible Line of Defense Model

The outermost accordion-like ring protecting the baseline from everyday stressors.

Normal Line of Defense Model

The solid ring representing a person's everyday state of health.

Basic Core Structure

The innermost circle containing basic survival factors and energy resources.