Question

Discuss how a specific non nursing (borrowed) theory has been or could be applied by nurse educator to effectively deal with an issue?

Answer 1

Borrowed theory which is some theory not related to nursing but used to develop some theories in nursing which will be specific to nursing practice. Some of the borrowed theories are

• Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Development Theory
• Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation and Hierarchy of Basic Human Needs
• Selye’s General Adaptation Theory

We will discuss here about Maslow's hierarchy

Certain basic needs to all people and require satisfaction are based on some priorities which is discussed in this theory. Maslow ranked human needs as physiologic needs, safety and security, belongingness and affection, self esteem and self respect,self actualization including self fulfillment .

Lower level needs always remain and are got by anyway but the higher level need of self actualization proves the connection between psychological health and well being. .This model is used for assessing strengths , limitations and need of patients which is used to formulate an appropriate nursing intervention.

1. Physiological needs - these are necessary requirements for human living, e.g. air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, sex, sleep.

These needs should be satisfied to the human body to function optimally. Maslow considered physiological needs very important and other needs become secondary until these needs are met.

2. Safety needs - protection from nature, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.

3. Love and belongingness needs - after physiological and safety needs satisfied , the third of human needs is social and involves feelings of belongingness. The need for interpersonal relationships helps in improving behavior

Examples are friendship,closeness, trust, and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love.

4. Esteem needs - Are classified into (i) self esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and (ii) the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g., status, prestige).

5. Self-actualization needs - realizing personal efficiency, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences. A desire “to become everything one is capable of becoming " is from self actualization.

Thus this is about Maslow theory .With all these elements a nurse can identify patient's needs and can help them to achieve good physical and mental health.