A Nursing Conceptual Model Is An Abstract Way Of Showing

A Nursing Conceptual Model Is An Abstract Way Of Showing The Way Conce

A nursing conceptual model is an abstract framework that illustrates how core nursing concepts relate to one another. These core concepts include nursing, person, health, and environment (Cherry and Jacob, 2017). Different theorists interpret these concepts uniquely, leading to the development of various nursing theories based on diverse perspectives about their interrelationships (Cherry and Jacob, 2017). The conceptual model serves as a foundation from which hypotheses are generated, guiding research and testing to validate and strengthen nursing theories (Mock et al., 2007). According to McKenna, Pajnkihar, and Murphy (2014), theory develops through stages, with the conceptual model representing an intermediate stage on the pathway to establishing a formal theory.

The primary purpose of applying nursing theories is to enhance nursing practice by providing a systematic framework for understanding patient care and improving outcomes (Whitney, 2018). One such theory relevant to nursing practice is Lazarus and Folkman’s transactional model of stress, coping, and adaptation. This theory emphasizes the psychological mechanisms involved in how individuals respond to stressors encountered in healthcare settings (Whitney, 2018). Lazarus and Folkman define psychological stress as a relationship where a person perceives environmental demands as taxing or exceeding their resources, thereby threatening their well-being (1984, p. 19). They describe coping as the dynamic Cognitive-Behavioral efforts a person employs to manage internal or external demands perceived as challenging or overwhelming (1984, p. 179).

This theory is applicable to all patients in healthcare environments, as stress can manifest in various forms, from mild responses like white coat syndrome—an elevated blood pressure response to clinical settings—to severe reactions to illness or trauma, such as increased blood glucose levels, cortisol, or heart rate. Moreover, clients’ psychological responses—such as withdrawal, anger, fear, depression, or aggression—are crucial for nurses to recognize and address. Understanding these coping mechanisms allows nurses to assess patients’ psychological states, identify stressors, and implement interventions aimed at alleviating stress or enhancing coping strategies.

For instance, a patient who fears spending the night in the hospital may initially cope by expressing frustration loudly on the unit. Recognizing this as a stress response, the nurse can intervene by addressing the specific fear—explaining the procedure, providing reassurance, and creating a more comforting environment. Managing the stressor directly can reduce the patient’s negative coping behaviors and promote better emotional regulation. Such interventions exemplify the practical application of Lazarus and Folkman’s model; by intervening early, nurses help mitigate the adverse physiological and psychological effects of stress, thereby improving overall patient care outcomes.

In essence, integrating nursing conceptual models and theories like Lazarus and Folkman’s stress and coping framework into practice enables nurses to deliver patient-centered care that considers psychological, physiological, and environmental factors. This holistic approach fosters resilience, enhances coping capacity, and promotes recovery, ultimately advancing the quality of nursing practice and patient well-being.

References

• Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2017). Concepts of Nursing. Elsevier.
• McKenna, H. P., Pajnkihar, M., & Murphy, F. (2014). Developing nursing theories: From concept to theory. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70(1), 106–108.
• Mock, M., Edwards, N., & Turner, J. (2007). The development of nursing theory. Nursing Science Quarterly, 20(1), 12-19.
• Whitney, S. (2018). Using nursing theories to improve practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 50(2), 135-143.
• Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, Appraisal, and Coping. Springer Publishing Company.
• Fawcett, J. (2010). Analysis and Evaluation of Contemporary Nursing Knowledge. F.A. Davis Company.
• Alligood, M. R. (2014). Nursing Theorists and Their Work. Elsevier Saunders.
• Smith, M. C. (2016). Conceptual frameworks guiding nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 64(4), 293-301.
• Benner, P., Tanner, C., & Chesla, C. (2010). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Springer Publishing.
• Neuman, B., & Fawcett, J. (2011). The Neuman systems model. Pearson Education.