For this critique, I have selected Dorothy Johnson’s Behavioral System Model (BSM). The key idea behind the theory is to enable effective behavioral function, to restore, or to maintain the effective behavioral integrity in the client. The main concepts in this theory are the nurse, client, and the 7 subsystems. These subsystems have structural and behavioral components.
All the 7 subsystems in Johnson’s model are interconnected and enable effective functioning and adaptation of the person’s behavior. When these subsystems or their connectedness is affected, it can result in behavioral disorders. The environment is a constantly acting component in all the subsystems.
Dorothy Johnson developed BSM theory based on her ideas that she acquired over her years of experience in the nursing profession. Professional theories of Florence Nightingale, system theory, and developmental theory has influenced the development of Johnson’s theory. Johnson’s clinical experience, thoughts, discussion, research, and findings, has helped in the evolution of this theory.
The behavioral system model was first proposed in 1968 (Gil Wayne, 2014). During this time there was a demand for people who could take care of the mentally ill (Gil Wayne, 2014). Nurses were entrusted with the responsibility for the caring of mentally ill patients. This theory was developed to help nurses to care for clients whose behavior was not in accordance with social expectation. Nurses were also employed to help clients to modify their behavior. Behavior is very important to maintain the interpersonal relationship with the peers, relatives and the members of the society. These nursing expectations must have motivated Johnson to write this theory. The theory is testable through research and the hierarchy in the interaction between the system are not yet tested through elaborate research. This is a unique theory and not many researchers have worked on the theory.
Dorothy Johnson’s BSM theory is comprehensive and whole. The hierarchy in the interaction of the subsystems can be reorganized. Both continuity and change can happen during a person’s lifespan. This can influence the dialectical and hierarchical interaction between the components in the model. Nurses are external regulators in this model, and intervene when they identify a behavioral disorder in the client. Nurses help to restore the patient’s behavior back to normal or near normal behavior.
References
Gil Wayne, R. (2014). Dorothy E. Johnson - Behavioral System Model - Nurseslabs. Nurseslabs. Retrieved 16 January 2017, from https://nurseslabs.com/dorothy-e-johnsons-behavioral-system-model/
