Summary of Nursing Theories

Theorist Goal of Nursing Framework for practice

Hildegard To develop interpersonal Interpersonal theoretical model

Peplau interaction between client and emphasizing relationship between
(1952) nurse client and nurse

Faye Abdellah To deliver nursing care for whole Problem solving based on 21 nursing
(1960) individual problems

Virginia
To help client gain independence
Henderson Henderson’s 14 basic needs
as rapidly as possible
(1964)

Joyce To help client and family to cope

Interpersonal theory emphasizing
Travelbee with and find meaning in
nurse-client relationship
(1966) experience of illness

Dorothy
To reduce stress so that client can Adaptation model based on seven
Johnson
recover as quickly as possible behavioral sub-systems
(1968)

Martha
To help client achieve maximal “Unitary man” evolving along life
Rogers
level of wellness process
(1970)

To use communication to help Nursing process as dynamic

Imogene King
client to reestablish positive interpersonal state between nurse
(1971)
adaptation to environment and client

Dorothea To care for and help client to

Self-care deficit theory
Orem (1971) attain self-care

To assist individuals, families, and Systems model of nursing practice

Betty
groups to attain and maintain having stress reduction as its goal;
Neuman
maximal level of total wellness by nursing actions in one of three levels:
(1972)
purposeful interventions primary, secondary, or tertiary

To use conservation activities Adaptation model of human as

Myra Levine
aimed at optimal use of client’s integrated whole based on “four
(1973)
resources conservation principles of nursing”

Sister Callista To identify types o demands Adaptation model based on four

Roy (1976) placed on client and client’s adaptive modes; physiological,
adaptation to them psychological, sociological, and
 independence

Philosophy and science of caring:

To promote health, restore clients
Jean Watson
to health, and prevent illness
(1979)
(Marriner-Tomey, 1989)
caring is an interpersonal process
comprising interventions that result
in meeting human needs (Torres,
1986)

(From Basic Nursing Theory and Practice, Potter and Perry)