The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast nursing metaparadigms formulated by Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model and Dorothy Johnson: The Behavioral System Model. These two theorist are identified as grand theorist of the post-positivist era (1950’s-1990’s). The contrast and comparison is structured as Roy’s and Johnson definition of person, health, environment and nursing.
Roy defines persons as an adaptive systems with cognation and regulatory subsystems working together to continue adaptation. Roy uses four modes of adaptation (physiological, self-concept, role function, and interdependence) that has to stay balance in order for the person to function at an optimal level. Johnson defines persons as behavioral systems with seven substructures (security, recognition, basic body supply, waste evacuation, sexual needs, defense, and fulfillment) needs to balance to prevent illness. Roy’s model is adaptive and Johnson’s theory of person is reactive to internal/external impulses. Roy defines environment as all conditions and all states of affairs in one’s life that affect development and behavior. Johnson explains environment as internal and external surrounding. Both theorist environments are influenced by one’s current situations that are fixed and those surrounding that are self-restrained. Johnson’s explains health as an adequate and capable function system. Johnson also defines health as observable system balance and security. Roy’s health is the state of vitality and excellent integration of and whole person. Both theorist explain health as to highest normal function of total self (physical and behavioral). Johnson computers nursing as forced energy that takes action to regulate and control unbalance behaviors that threaten the optimal function system. Roy’s goal of nursing is to assist the individual in adapting to change in balance