Evaluation of Two Assessment Techniques for Adaptation to Stress

Abstract

Two conceptual nursing models, Roy's adaptation model and Erickson and Swain's adaptive potential assessment model are explained, and knowledge is identified within these two assessment techniques for adaptation to stress. The purpose is to identify common, noteworthy areas of nursing science as well as areas where further development in nursing knowledge is needed. A case study is used to compare and contrast these models. When assessing adaptation to stress, one similarity between the approaches appears to be a propositional linkage that supports the influence of developmental level on basic need satisfaction. A divergent area between the two models identifies a need for further development in nursing knowledge regarding the adaptive potential status. This includes information pertaining to what an individual can reasonably do or be expected to do when contending with stressors.

Theoretical Approaches in Nursing Practice: A Comparison of Roy and Parse

“…When the two-level assessment is completed, problem areas are identified and stated as nursing diagnoses (Roy, 1984;Barnfather, Swain, & Erickson, 1989). Based on the diagnosis and the desired outcomes, specific goals and interventions are determined that guide the nurse's manipulation of stimuli to move the person in the desired direction of change toward adaptation.…”

“…The person's adaptation level depends on the overall effect of three classifications of stimuli : focal, contextual, and residual. Focal stimuli are those immediately confronting the individual and eliciting a response, contextual stimuli are all other stimuli present, and residual stimuli are other factors that are relevant but cannot be validated (Roy, 1984).When the two-level assessment is completed, problem areas are identified and stated as nursing diagnoses (Roy, 1984;Barnfather, Swain, & Erickson, 1989). Based on the diagnosis and the desired outcomes, specific goals and interventions are determined that guide the nurse's manipulation of stimuli to move the person in the desired direction of change toward adaptation.…”

Restructuring the Role of School Nurse in Health Promotion

“…Perceived level of minimally acceptable basic need satisfaction is attained and maintained, followed by positive psychosocial attributes and adequate adaptive potential status. In clinical practice the nursing approach is not strictly linear because all combinations of assessments, plans, and interventions are possible among basic need, and psychosocial and adaptive potential status (Barnfather, 1987;Barnfather, Swain, & Erickson, 1989a, 1989b. A theoretically based assessment form is used systematically to gather information related to the person's model of the world (Campbell et al, 1985).…”

Test of a model of psychosocial resources, stress, and health among undereducated adults

“…In a study of hospitalized patients, researchers found that individuals who had the worst adaptive potential had the longest length of hospital stay (Erickson & Swain). In a study of college students, Barnfather et al (1989a;1989b) found that low adaptive potential was associated with thoughts of dropping out of school. Another study with undereducated adults enrolled in an adult education program indicated adaptive potential was useful in predicting attendance rates (Barnfather, 1988).…”