N_Theory350

Science of Unitary Human Beings: 
 Martha Rogers

Chapter 9


 Overview of Martha Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings


• Human beings are dynamic energy fields integrated with environmental energy fields

• Both human energy fields and environmental fields are open systems, pandimensional in nature, and in a constant state of change

• Pattern is the identifying characteristic of energy fields

Three Principles of Homeodynamics

• Helicy describes the unpredictable but continuous, nonlinear evolution of energy fields as evidenced by a spiral development that is continuous, nonrepeating, and innovative patterning reflecting the nature of change

Three Principles of Homeodynamics

• Resonancy is depicted as wave frequency and energy field pattern evolution reflective of the continuous variability of the human energy field as it changes

• Integrality emphasizes the continuous mutual process of person and environment


 Major Concepts of Nursing 


According to Rogers


• Person: irreducible, irreversible, pandimensional, negentropic energy field identified by pattern; unitary human being develops through three principles: helicy, resonancy, and integrality

• Environment: irreducible, pandimensional, negentropic energy field, identified by pattern and manifesting characteristics different from all that is the human field

Major Concepts of Nursing 
 According to Rogers

• Health: health and illness are a part of a continuum

• Nursing: seeks to promote symphonic interaction between human and environmental fields, to strengthen the integrity of the human field, and to direct and redirect patterning of the human and environmental fields for realization of maximum health potential

Assumptions of Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings

• Man is a unified whole possessing his own integrity and manifesting characteristics more than and different from the sum of his parts

• Man and environment are continuously exchanging matter and energy with one another

• The life process evolves irreversibly and unidirectionally along the space–time continuum

Assumptions of Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings

• Pattern and organization identify man and reflect his innovative wholeness

• Man is characterized by the capacity for abstraction and imagery, language and thought, sensation, and emotion


 Propositions of Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings


• The focus consists of long-established concern with people and the world they live in

• The nurse is an environmental component for the individual receiving services

• The primary focus of nursing is to promote health

Propositions of Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings

• The purpose of nurses is to promote well- being for all persons, wherever they are

• Nurses participate in the process of change, so as to help people move toward what is

deemed better health • The purpose of nursing is to promote human

betterment wherever people are, on planet earth or in outer space

Brief Critique of Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings

• Developed using deductive logic • Demonstrates logical congruence and internal

consistency • Abstract and complex, but ongoing work has

simplified, operationalized, and clarified many of the concepts and relationships resulting in the development of testable theories

• Applications in practice, education, and research

Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings as a Framework for Nursing

• Assessment requires pattern appraisal of intuition, cognitive and sensory input, and language

• Planning relates to the process of patterning • Implementation focuses on mutual patterning

of the human–environmental field to promote symphonic rhythms

• Evaluation is ongoing and consists of a repetition of the appraisal process