Which theory has used General Systems Theory as a framework for its development?

Which theory has used General Systems Theory as a framework for its development?

• A. Florence Nightingale's Environment Theory
• B. Hildegard E. Peplau's Psychodynamic Nursing Theory
• C. Martha E. Rogers' Science of Unitary Beings
• D. Neuman's Model

Answer: (D)

General Systems Theory provides a lens for seeing the person as an open system that continually exchanges energy, matter, and information with its environment. Neuman's Health Care Systems Model explicitly uses this framework, portraying the client as a holistic system with a normal line of defense and a flexible line of defense, surrounded by internal and external stressors. Nursing actions aim to strengthen boundaries and intervene to prevent or mitigate stressors, helping the system maintain stability and move back toward wellness. This systems-based perspective—focusing on interactions, boundaries, and how the environment affects the whole system—is the hallmark of Neuman’s model. The other theories emphasize specific aspects like environment alone, interpersonal relationships, or energy fields, but they did not ground their development in General Systems Theory.

General Systems Theory provides a lens for seeing the person as an open system that continually exchanges energy, matter, and information with its environment. Neuman's Health Care Systems Model explicitly uses this framework, portraying the client as a holistic system with a normal line of defense and a flexible line of defense, surrounded by internal and external stressors. Nursing actions aim to strengthen boundaries and intervene to prevent or mitigate stressors, helping the system maintain stability and move back toward wellness. This systems-based perspective—focusing on interactions, boundaries, and how the environment affects the whole system—is the hallmark of Neuman’s model. The other theories emphasize specific aspects like environment alone, interpersonal relationships, or energy fields, but they did not ground their development in General Systems Theory.