Martha E. Rogers’ Theory of Unitary Human Beings transformed nursing practice by introducing a scientific, holistic, and human-centered approach. This theory emphasizes the interconnectivity of humans and the environment, with a focus on energy fields and the notion of persons as united entities.
Who was Martha Rogers?
Martha Elizabeth Rogers was born May 12, 1914, in Dallas, Texas, United States. She grew up in a family that emphasized education and intellectual growth. Rogers had a strong interest in science and human behavior at a young age, which affected her later career in nursing and theoretical development.
Rogers pursued her nursing education with a strong commitment to advancing the profession:
- Diploma in Nursing: She earned her initial nursing diploma from the Knoxville General Hospital School of Nursing in 1936.
- Bachelor of Science: In 1937, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Nursing from George Peabody College.
- Master’s Degree: She pursued a Master’s degree in Public Health Nursing at Columbia University Teachers College, graduating in 1945.
- Doctorate: In 1954, Rogers earned her Doctorate in Nursing Education from Johns Hopkins University, becoming one of the pioneers in integrating nursing science with education and research.
Her vast background in nursing, science, and education paved the way for her novel approach to nursing theory.
Martha Rogers had a dynamic and influential career spanning clinical practice, education, and research:
- Clinical Practice: Early in her career, Rogers worked as a public health nurse, where she observed the dynamic interactions between individuals and their environments.
- Educator: She held teaching positions at various institutions, including serving as a professor and head of the Division of Nursing at New York University (NYU) from 1954 to 1975.
- Theorist and Researcher: Rogers developed her Theory of Unitary Human Beings in the 1970s, presenting a groundbreaking conceptual framework that viewed humans as energy fields constantly interacting with their environments.
- Publications: Her seminal work, “An Introduction to the Theoretical Basis of Nursing” (1970), introduced her theory to the nursing community.
Rogers’ contributions have influenced nursing education, practice, and research globally, positioning her as a pioneer in modern nursing science.
Description of the Theory of Unitary Human Beings
The Theory of Unitary Human Beings sees humans as open systems in constant interaction with their surroundings. Rogers thought that individuals are inextricably linked to the universe and cannot be isolated from their surroundings. This approach altered nursing’s emphasis from treating illness to promoting health and well-being by examining human energy fields.
Key Features of the Theory:
- Holism: Humans are viewed as unified beings, greater than the sum of their parts.
- Energy Fields: Both humans and the environment are energy fields that interact continuously.
- Change and Openness: Humans are open systems, constantly exchanging energy with their environment.
- Pattern and Organization: Health is expressed through patterns and organization in energy fields.
- Nursing as a Science: Nursing focuses on promoting harmony between humans and their environment by influencing energy fields.
Assumptions of the Theory
Rogers’ theory is built on several key assumptions:
- Humans are unitary beings: Individuals are indivisible and cannot be separated into parts.
- Humans and environments are energy fields: Both are open systems that interact continuously.
- Energy fields are dynamic: They are constantly changing and evolving.
- Patterns identify human and environmental energy fields: Patterns reflect the wholeness of individuals and their interactions.
- Nursing is a science and art: Nursing focuses on understanding and influencing energy fields to promote well-being.
Major Concepts and Subconcepts
The Theory of Unitary Human Beings includes four primary concepts:
- Energy Fields:
- Energy fields are the fundamental units of the living and non-living universe.
- Humans and environments are composed of energy fields that are dynamic, infinite, and integral.
- Openness:
- Humans are open systems that interact continuously with their environment.
- There are no boundaries between humans and their surroundings.
- Pattern:
- Patterns are unique to each energy field and reflect the individual’s health status and interaction with the environment.
- Patterns are observable manifestations of energy field changes.
- Pandimensionality:
- Pandimensionality refers to a non-linear, infinite domain without spatial or temporal boundaries.
- This concept moves beyond traditional physical dimensions to view humans as existing in a limitless universe.
Subconcepts:
- Homeodynamics: The dynamic, ever-changing nature of energy fields that maintain balance and harmony.
- Resonancy: Continuous rhythm and flow of energy.
- Helicy: Unpredictable but continuous evolution and change in energy fields.
- Integrality: Mutual, continuous interaction between humans and their environment.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Holistic Perspective: The theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of humans and the environment, promoting a comprehensive view of health.
- Foundation for Nursing Science: Rogers’ theory provides a scientific basis for nursing, emphasizing health promotion over disease treatment.
- Innovative Concepts: Concepts such as energy fields and pandimensionality broaden the understanding of human existence and health.
Weaknesses
- Abstract Nature: The theory’s abstract and philosophical concepts, such as energy fields and pandimensionality, are difficult to measure and apply in practice.
- Limited Practical Application: The theory’s complexity makes it challenging to implement in fast-paced clinical settings.
- Lack of Specific Guidelines: The model does not provide concrete steps for nursing interventions, requiring nurses to interpret and adapt its principles.
Application in Nursing
- Health Promotion: The theory encourages nurses to focus on health promotion rather than illness treatment by understanding the individual’s energy patterns.
- Holistic Care: Nurses apply a holistic approach by addressing the physical, emotional, and environmental dimensions of patients.
- Therapeutic Communication: Understanding energy fields helps nurses use therapeutic communication and touch to influence positive energy flow.
- Alternative Therapies: Rogers’ theory aligns with complementary therapies such as Reiki, therapeutic touch, and meditation, which focus on energy balance.
- Research and Education: The theory provides a foundation for nursing research and curriculum development, encouraging innovation in nursing science.
Conclusion
Martha Rogers’ Theory of Unitary Human Beings provides a ground-breaking viewpoint on nursing, emphasizing the holistic and dynamic character of humans and their interactions with their surroundings. Rogers challenged traditional nursing paradigms by introducing notions like energy fields, openness, and pandimensionality, resulting in a focus on health promotion, harmony, and well-being. While the theory’s abstract nature makes practical application difficult, its contributions to nursing science and the promotion of a holistic approach ensure its long-term importance. Martha Rogers’ vision continues to motivate nurses to see patients as whole, growing beings in an endless cosmos.
References
- Alligood, M. R. (1991a). Guided reminiscence: A Rogerian based intervention. Rogerian Nursing Science News, 3(3), 1–3.
- Alligood, M. R. (1991b). Testing Rogers’ theory of accelerating change: The relationship among creativity, actualization, and empathy in persons 18 to 92 years of age. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 13, 84–96
- Johnston, R. L. (1986). Approaching family intervention through Rogers’ conceptual model. In A. L. Whall (Ed.), Family therapy theory for nursing. Four approaches(pp. 11–32). Norwalk, (CT): Appleton-Century-Crofts
