Dorothy Johnson’s Behavioral System Model of Nursing
Mary Grace Burton, Elizabeth Hanrahan, Annie Nelson, Katie Sumera
Introduction
● Dorothy Johnson’s Behavioral
System Model of Nursing
examines seven subsystems:
attachment, dependency,
ingestive, eliminative, sexual,
aggressive, and achievement.
● The purpose of the theory is to
maintain the balance and stability
of the environment by making
adjustments.
● This model is used to help the
client adapt to their new
environment within the hospital.
Objectives
● Understand Johnson’s Behavioral
System Model and how it applies
to client care.
● Identify the implementation of
Johnson’s Behavioral System
Model within client care.
● Understand the Behavioral
System Model in application to
Joan Quintona who has signed a
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) and is
in hospice care.
Capstone College of Nursing - The University of Alabama
Johnson’s Behavioral Implementation
● It is the nurse’s duty to regulate
System Model
● The structural components of the the client’s environment specific
to their case.
Behavior Model include a goal,
● The Behavioral System Model is
set, choice, and action.
best implemented during the
● Protection, Nurturance, and
evaluation phase of the Nursing
Stimulation are required by each
Process.
subsystem to fulfill its function.
● The Nurse helps regulate the
● The seven subsystems are listed
client’s subsystems during times
in the model below.
of illness or times when their
behavior can affect their health.
Case Study
● By using Johnson’s theory we
must examine Mrs. Quintona’s
subsystems to provide the best
care.
○ Dependency: Mrs. Quintona’s
daughter has become her
primary caregiver over the last
year
○ Aggressive: By signing a DNR,
Mrs. Quintona is exhibiting a
defense response
● Allowing her daughter to still feel
involved in the caregiving
maintains the subsystem.
Conclusion
● Johnson’s Behavioral System
Model is used within the nursing
profession to ensure care is
consistent between the client’s
changing environments.
References
● Alligood, M. R., PhD, RN, ANEF. (2018). Nursing
theorists and their work. St. Louis, MO:
Elsevier.
● Black, B.P. (2017). Professional nursing:
Concepts & challenges. (8th ed.) St. Louis, MO:
Elsevier.
● Parker, M. E. (Ed.). (1990). Nursing theories in
practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.