Taking Care of Our Self

The Theory of Self-Preservation

(A Conceptual Nursing Model)

Self-preservation is a state of balance between the id (self) system and all the forces internal and external which are in state of continuous interaction.

It is a group of process and mechanisms of adaptation to the threat (predisposing/potential and actual threats) in the environment surrounding the id (self) with the ultimate goal of achieving growth and development, control, integrity, dignity and general sense of well being.

     Assumptions:

• The id (self) has innate instinct or desire for survival.
• The id has natural love for himself.
• Self-preservation is a reaction to a specific threat to the id.
• Self-preservation is a protective mechanism against a predisposing, actual or potential threat.
• Self-preservation is attained through physio-physical, emotional, mental or psychological reactions to a threat.
• Care and love are necessities for human survival.
• We must be able to love and care for ourselves before we can love and care for others.

        Metaparadigms:
              Person

·         Self as the center of a unit/being

·         Self has 3 domains: I ,YOU,US

·         Self as the totality of innate instincts and higher faculties

·         Self in constant state of becoming

·         Self as greater than the sum of its parts, cohesive in space, continuous in time

Environment

·         All conditions, forces, circumstances and influences affecting the self

·         Inherent/native threat

·         External/alien threat

·         Constantly changing

Health

·         State of well being in varying degrees

·         Wellness as effective reaction to the threat

·         Wellness and Illness can co-exist  within the Self

·         Illness as manifestation of a disturbed self

·         Illness as failed reaction to the threat

              Nursing

·         As an acquired, learned profession

·         Objective/subjective actions to provide safe environment for the self

·         Supportive role

·         Protective role

·         Chief goal: understanding the self as the central  structure of wellness and self-preservation.

                                              Summary 

• People have innate self-preservation instincts.
• Environments dictate level of needs.
• Health depends on needs being met.
• Nursing has tools to assist in attaining necessities