TFN - M16

Parse's Theory of Human Becoming

  • Author: Rosemarie Rizzo Parse

    • Education:

    • MSN: Duquesne University

    • Ph.D.: University of Pittsburgh

    • Career Milestones:

    • Theory Introduction: Originally published in 1981 as "Man-Living-Health."

    • Theory Renaming: Reconceptualized as "Theory of Human Becoming" in 1992.

    • Editorial Role: Founder and Editor of Nursing Science Quarterly.

    • Selected Bibliography:

    • Man-Living-Health: A Theory of Nursing (1981)

    • Nursing Science: Major Paradigms, Theories, and Critiques (1987)

    • Illuminations: The Human Becoming Theory in Practice and Research (1995)

    • The Human Becoming School of Thought: A Perspective for Nurses and Other Health Professionals (1998)

    • Community: A Human Becoming Perspective (2003)

  • Theory Overview:

    • Focuses on quality of life as described and lived by individuals.

    • Alternative to traditional biomedical and bio-psycho-social-spiritual approaches.

    • Emphasizes personal perspectives and experiences as central to nursing practice.

  • Development Influences:

    • Inspired by European philosophers (Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty) and Martha Rogers.

    • Themes include: meaning, rhythmicity, and transcendence.

  • Core Assumptions About Humanity:

    • Coexisting with the universe; open and freely choosing meaning.

    • Continuous interaction and pattern co-constitution with the environment.

    • Transcendence occurs in multidimensional ways.

  • Three Abiding Themes:

    1. Meaning: Personal significance given through lived experiences.

    2. Rhythmicity: Co-creation of patterns with the universe.

    3. Transcendence: Reaching beyond personal limits; continual transformation.

  • Major Concepts:

    • Structuring: Personal interpretation of reality.

    • Languaging: Expression of one's imagined reality.

    • Co-creating: Patterns developed through daily activities.

    • Revealing-Concealing: Processes of self-disclosure and privacy.

    • Enabling-Limiting: Observations of freedom versus restrictions.

    • Powering: Capacity for purposeful action amidst challenges.

    • Originating: Balancing individuality with social influences.

    • Transforming: Ongoing change towards cherished aspirations.

  • Nursing Application:

    • Transformative approach to nursing practice without problem-fixing.

    • Emphasizes co-creation of health patterns with clients.

  • Strengths of the Theory:

    • Enhances understanding of lived experiences and health outcomes.

    • Differentiates nursing from other disciplines.

    • Useful for expanding nursing knowledge and research applications.

  • Weaknesses of the Theory:

    • Difficult to quantify results; rarely includes control groups.

    • Not applicable to emergent care situations.

    • Accessibility issues for novice nurses.

  • Critique Summary:

    • Aligns with personal, professional, and social values.

    • Significant impact on nursing practice and societal roles of nurses.