Betty Neuman
Betty Neuman, RN, BSN, MSN,
PhD, FAAN
Why I chose Betty Neuman

I chose Betty Neuman as my nurse
theorist because I feel as though her
theory not only helps nurses provide
their patients with holistic care, but it
also helps them understand the
importance of systemic and
environmental variables on a person’s
mental health.
Theory

Neuman views the client as an open
system consisting of a basic structure or
central core of energy resources
surrounded by two lines of resistance.2
 Lines of resistance: internal factors that help
the client defend against a stressor. 2
 The lines outside the lines of resistance are
lines of defense. 2
○ Normal line of defense represents the
person's state of equilibrium2
○ The flexible line of defense is dynamic and is
the protective buffer that prevents stressors
from getting to the normal line of defense2
Betty Neuman’s Theory Model
Influencing Factors
Betty Neuman’s theory focuses on the
wellness of the client system in relation to
environmental stressors and reactions to
stressors. 1
 The five client system variables are:
physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual. 1-2
 The four environmental influences are:
internal, external interpersonal, external
extrapersonal, and created. 1-2

Stressors

Neuman describes a stressor as any
environmental force that alters the
system’s stability. 1
 Internal stressors: stressors that occur within the
individual (i.e. an infection) 2
 Interpersonal stressors: stressors that occur
between individuals (i.e. unrealistic role
expectations) 2
 Extrapersonal stressors: stressors that occur
outside the person (i.e. financial problems) 2
 Created stressors: stressors that are
unconsciously created 2
How do Stressors affect People
The way people react to stressors
depends on the strength of their lines of
defense. 1-2
 When the lines of defense fail, the
resulting reaction depends on the
strength of the lines of resistance.

Nursing Interventions
Betty Neuman’s nursing interventions
focus on retaining or maintaining system
stability. 2
 The three levels that these interventions
are carried out in are: primary,
secondary, and tertiary prevention.

First Preventive Level
1. Primary Prevention


This level focuses on identifying risk
factors, attempting to eliminate the stressor,
and focusing on protecting the normal line
of defense and strengthening the flexible
line of defense. 2
During this level, a reaction has not yet
occurred, but the degree of risk is known. 2
Second Preventative Level
2. Secondary Prevention
 Interventions and or active treatment
initiated after symptoms have have occurred
 This level focuses on strengthening internal
lines of resistance, reduces the reaction,
and increases resistance factors. 2
Third Preventative Level
3. Tertiary Prevention
 This level focuses on readaptation and
stability and protects reconstitution or return
to wellness following treatment. 2
 During this level, the nurses role is to
educate the patient in ways to strengthen
their resistance to stressors and different
strategies they can use to prevent
recurrences of reaction or regression.2
Conclusion
Betty Neuman’s model defines the
importance of stressors and certain
factors as to why people react in certain
ways.
 Her model can be used to help nurses,
individuals, families, and communities
understand why people act in certain
ways.

How I will use this information in
my Practice

All of the information I have learned from
Betty Neuman’s theory will help me
when dealing with distraught individuals
because I will have a better
understanding as to why they are
reacting the way they are and how I can
help them strengthen their ability to cope
with certain aspects of life in a better
way.
References
1.
Betty Neuman’s Systems Model. (2008). Retrieved from
http://nursingtheories-mtctfn2011-2012.blogspot.com/
2012/03/betty-neumans-systems-model.html
1.
Blais, K. K. & Hayes, J.S. (2011). Professional nursing
practice: Concepts and perspectives, (6th e.d.). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson