A Nursing Theory by Myrna D. Santos Since 2004
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:
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The id (self) has innate instinct or desire for survival.
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The id has natural love for himself.
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Self-preservation is a reaction to a specific threat to the id.
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Self-preservation is a protective mechanism against a predisposing, actual or potential threat.
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Self-preservation is attained through physio-physical, emotional, mental or psychological reactions to a threat.
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Care and love are necessities for human survival.
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We must be able to love and care for ourselves before we can love and care for others.
Living The Paradigms
- Self as the center of a unit/being
- Self has 3 domains: I ,WE,US
- Self as the totality of innate instincts and higher faculties
- Self in constant state of becoming
- Self as equal to the sum of its parts, cohesive in space, continuous in time
- All conditions, forces, circumstances and influences affecting the self
- Inherent/native threat
- External/alien threat
- Constantly changing
- 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
- 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
- The Nurse as the Provider of Health and the Transformer of Change
NOTABLES
"The self-image is the face of the mind. By healing the self-image the mind is
healed. As our experts are still confused about the mind; we can make the mind emotionally healthy by making the self-image emotionally healthy. (As clear and pure
ego-free)
The world is suffering from a very real fundamental flaw of emotionally challenged minds on such a vast scale. In other words the world is suffering from emotionally
challenged self-identities/self-images. It is the self-identity that determines one’s grip on reality: the key to an
emotionally healthy life. From relationships to happiness and depression, to student failures and drug addictions, from crime to class divides; it is all determined by the emotional health of the
self-image. All the man-made ills of society stem from emotionally challenged self-images."
Sajid Khan
"How to Become Wise"
wisdompowerclub.com
Nursing:The Applied Art and Science in Community Health
Review of Literature on Self Care
CONFERENCES
Caring for Ourselves So We Can Care for Others
pcna.net/symposium