NURS 324 Nursing Theory Newsletter Fall 2011
MARTHA ROGERS
1914-1994
Martha Roger’s philosophy was
influenced by her background in
liberal arts and science. She
believed health and illness was
related to the environment and
energy fields and that the nurse
has the ability to direct or redirect
the patterning of these energy
fields to promote health.
Martha Rogers believed that
knowledge development within her
model was a “never-ending
process” using a multiplicity of
knowledge from many sources to
create a kaleidoscope of
possibilities (Alligood & Tomey,
2008, p. 250).
THE SCIENCE OF UNITARY HUMAN BEINGS
The science of unitary human beings comprises of four major concepts and
three major principles. “Rogers repeatedly stated that she did not create a
"theory" but rather an abstract system, a science, from which many theories
may be derived. Because science is open-ended and continuously evolving,
new knowledge emerges continuously, thus she preferred using the term
"postulate" rather than concept” (Frisch, 2009).
She believed all science undergoes corrections, alterations, revisions, and
change for greater clarity and accuracy. Science is continuously updating
through basic theoretical research and testing. Therefore, Martha Rogers’
concepts (postulates), “like any science, offers a tentative view of nursing that
requires continuous validation through rigorous scientific research and logical
analysis” (Frisch, 2009).
CONCEPTS (POSTULATES)
Energy Field
Human beings and the environment are energy fields. The environmental
energy field in integral to the human field and both change continuously,
creatively, and integrally (Alligood & Tomey, 2008, p. 244).
Universe of Open Systems
“The concept of the universe of open systems holds that energy fields are
infinite open, and integral with one another. The human and environmental
energy fields are in continuous process and are open systems” (Alligood &
Tomey, 2008, p. 244).
Pattern
Martha Roger’s theory is thought
to be complex because it could be
used to describe all interactions
between the energy fields of
human beings and their
environment. This theoretical
model is significant to the practice
of nursing but could also be used
in the development of research
and theories within other sciences.
Martha Rogers’ theoretical
assertions are based on the
principles of homeodynamics.
Rogers’ postulates that activities of
nursing promote, strengthen,
direct, or redirect patterning of the
energy fields of humans and the
environment.
Roger’s states that patterns, like energy fields, are an abstraction and are "not
directly observable." What we perceive are the "manifestations of field
patterning” (Frisch, 2009). Pattern is changing continuously, it is innovative
and relative and may manifest as disease, illness, or well-being (Alligood &
Tomey, 2008, p.244).
Pandimensionality
“Pandimensionality is a nonlinear domain without spatial or temporal
attributes. It provides a framework for understanding paranormal phenomena.
Unconstrained by space and time, pandimensionality provides an explanation
of seemingly inexplicable events and processes” (Frisch, 2009).
PRINCIPLES
Resonancy
Wave patterns are continuously changing in environmental and human energy
fields.
Helicy
The nature of change is unpredictable, continuous, and an innovative.
Integrality
Energy fields of humans and environment are in a continuous mutual process.
NURS 324 Nursing Theory Newsletter Fall 2011
MARTHA ROGERS THEORETICAL MODEL IN
PRACTICE
The use of telephonic case management in the
empowerment approach to manage chronic disease is
an example of current practice using this theoretical
model. Through the use of the empowerment approach,
the nurse case manager works with the patient to
encourage active participation in disease management.
The nurse uses expertise to teach and provide support
so the patient can make the best self-management
decisions to support their own individualized health
goals. The empowerment approach recognizes that
nurses do not create change in the patient, but the nurse
participates in the process of change and fosters
outcomes consistent with the patient’s goals (Shearer,
2007).
Jean Watson’s theory attributes influence from
Rogerian science. According to Watson’s Philosophy
and Theory of Transpersonal Caring, when providing
end of life care the nurse must have knowledge of
comfort measures and be able to encourage the client
to have knowledge of self. Curative factors in
Watson’s theory include, expressing positive and
negative feelings, creative problem solving, providing a
supportive, protective and corrective environment, and
human needs assistance. Watson’s transpersonal
caring model us used in the Center of Human Caring in
Denver, Colorado who work with people dying of AIDS.
Clients and their family members value the humanistic
caring as they go through their disease process (Poor,
2001.)
AN ABSTRACT SYSTEM OF IDEAS
Concepts from Rogers’ theoretical model were “derived from the view that the universe is a collection of open systems
within which we interact independently and continuously without causality. The slinky represents a continuous, open life
process moving unidirectional” in a non-linear plane (Malinski, 2007).
"A human being is a part of a whole, called by us _universe_, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his
thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This
delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.
Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures
and the whole of nature in its beauty."
~ Albert Einstein
NURS 324 Nursing Theory Newsletter Fall 2011
References
Alligood, M.R. & Tomey, M.A. (2005). Nursing theorists and their work (7th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier
Frisch, T. L., (2009). Holistic nursing. Aesthetic Impact Informational Services, LLC. Retrieved from
http://www.aestheticimpact.com/holistic-nursing/martha-rogers-rn-phd-theoretical-model-the-science-of-unitaryhuman-beings.html
Malinski V.M. (2007) Theoretical Questions and Concerns: Response from the Science of Unitary Human Beings
Perspective. Nursing Science Quarterly. 20(4) 311-313 doi: 10.1177/0894318407307161
Poor, B. & Poirrier, G. P. (2001). Holistic models. In P. Glynn, C. Tridente & A. Lemoine (Eds.), End of life nursing care
(pp. 19-25). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Shearer NB, Cisar N, & Greenberg EA. (2007). A telephone-delivered empowerment intervention with patients diagnosed
with heart failure. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Critical Care. 36(3), 159-69.
NURS 324 Nursing Theory Newsletter Fall 2011