Nursing Theories Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Johnson's Behavioral System Model, nursing is viewed through the lens of understanding human behavior and the interactions between individuals and their environments. This model emphasizes the importance of establishing a caring relationship between the nurse and the patient, where understanding the lived experiences of the individual is paramount.

The central tenet of this perspective is that health and illness are seen as a result of the individual's behavior—their actions, decisions, and interactions within their environment. Nurses are not only providers of care but also facilitators of an understanding that can lead to effective treatment and support for the patient. By acknowledging the lived experiences of patients, nurses can offer more personalized care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of health.

This perspective contrasts sharply with models that might emphasize nursing as merely a mechanical task focused on symptoms or as a strictly clinical procedure, which could neglect the critical emotional and relational components of nursing care. Additionally, viewing nursing solely as an administrative role undermines the active, engaged relationship that is essential to effective nursing practice according to Johnson's model.