Overview of Neuman Systems Model
Overview of Neuman Systems Model
Overview of Neuman Systems Model
The aim of the Neuman model is to set forth a structure that depicts the
parts and subparts and their interrelationship for the whole of the client as a
complete system (Neuman, 2011, p. 12). As depicted in Figure 11-1, and beginning
from the center of the figure, the Neuman model identifies a basic structure of
energy resources, variables, system boundaries, and the environment as the core
subparts of the system.
At the core of the diagram, energy resources are noted. A constant energy
exchange occurs between the client system and environment. The client maintains
and augments system stability by using energy, regarded as a positive force
available to the system. As such, stability is not static but adaptive and
developmental in nature because the client system is considered an open system in
a state of constant change.
A series of protective rings encircle the center structure and protect the
system from environmental stressors. Each system component is intersected by five
variables (physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual).
These five variables interact synergistically and wholistically within all parts of the
client system (Neuman, 2011). As noted, Neuman considers client to be an
individual, a group, a family, or a community system. Accordingly, the substance of
each of the five variables depends on which client system is being considered. For
example, the physiological variable is defined as body structure and internal
function (Neuman, 2011, p. 16). Therefore, circulation could be considered a
physiological variable for an individual. Objective data that reflect the physiological
variable of circulation would include vital signs, peripheral pulses, and heart sounds.
However, for a community system, the physiological variable could include vital
statistics, morbidity, mortality, and general environmental health (Hassell, 1998,
Jajic, et al., 2011). Psychological variables include mental processes and interactive
environmental effects (Neuman, 2011, p. 16). For example, self-esteem and its
effect on relationships for the individual and communication patterns for a family
could be considered components of the psychological variable. The developmental
variable refers to life developmental processes and/or developmental tasks that
relate to life changes (e.g., individual adjustment to aging parents or empty nest
syndrome for a couple). The combination of social and cultural functions or
influences defines the sociocultural variable. Both ethnic cultural practices and
health belief practices are examples and important components of this variable
regardless of how the client system is defined. Client belief influence is exhibited in
the spiritual variable. As an example, spiritual factors could include a persons
worldview and perceived sources of strength or hope, or the predominant religious
culture of a community system (Hassell, 1998). Neuman proposes each of these five
variables as system subparts that are open, with energy exchange existing within
and between the client system and the environment (Neuman, 2011). As noted in
Figure 11-1, these five variables are considered simultaneous influences on the
system.
At the center of the diagram is the clients basic structure composed of
energy resources that Neuman calls survival factors (Neuman, 2011, p. 16).
Within the basic core, the five interacting variables (physiological, psychological,
developmental, sociocultural, and spiritual) contain commonly known norms
(Neuman, 2011). For example, the individual as client possesses common resources
such as organ structure and function, mental status, and coping mechanisms that
are integral to core system stability. Alternatively, the client as family has a basic
structure that includes specific roles, attitudes, and cultural beliefs that provide
energy resources and stability.
Lines of resistance protect the clients basic structure. These are defenses
activated by the client when internal or external environmental factors stress the
client system. Broken lines that circle the basic structure diagrammatically
represent these lines of resistance. The internal immune system is an example of a
physiological variable activated within the lines of resistance when infection invades
an individual. The client system restabilizes for wellness/energy conservation
(reconstitution) whenever these lines of resistance effectively mobilize internal and
external resources. Energy depletion and ultimately death occur whenever the lines
of resistance are ineffective (Neuman, 2011). Ineffective lines of resistance can be
seen when an individual has had extensive chemotherapy (an external stressor),
with the result of the immune system being severely compromised. This
compromise of the immune system is an example of system energy depletion.
Mobilization of external resources (transfusion) helps the clients internal resources
and strengthens the lines of resistance. The outcome of these added external
resources is a more physiologically stable client.
Neuman regards the normal line of defense as the usual or standard client level of
wellness that protects the basic structure as the client system reacts to stressors. A
solid line that circles the lines of resistance and basic structure represents this
protection. The standard level of wellness is achieved by the interaction of the five
variables over time. Clients usual level of wellness (the normal line of defense) is
maintained, increased, or decreased as stressed clients react to a stressor
encounter (Neuman, 2011).
The normal line of defense is encircled by the flexible line of defense,
represented by broken lines that suggest the constant interaction of the
environment and the open nature of the system. The flexible line of defense
expands and contracts depending on the protection available to the client at any
point in time. For example, healthy lifestyles and effective coping mechanisms
function as possible expanders of the flexible line of defense. Stressors may invade
the client/client system but are buffered by this line, thereby freeing clients from