Dorothy Johnson (Behavioral System Model)

• Who is Dorothy Johnson?

  Dorothy E. Johnson was a nursing theorist born on August 21, 1919.
• What degrees did Dorothy Johnson earn and from where?

  She earned her A.A. from Armstrong Junior College, B.S.N. from Vanderbilt University, and M.P.H. from Harvard University.
• What does Johnson's Behavioral System Model emphasize about individual behavior?

  It emphasizes that individuals have predispositions to act in certain ways towards goals.
• How does Johnson describe the behavioral system of an individual?

  It is a patterned, purposeful, repetitive way of acting that is distinct to each individual.
• What is the relationship between an individual's behaviors and their environment according to Johnson?

  Behaviors form an organized unit that determines interactions with the environment.
• What are the seven subsystems identified in Johnson's Behavioral System Model?

  1. Attachment or Affiliative
  2. Dependency
  3. Ingestive
  4. Eliminative
  5. Sexual
  6. Aggressive
  7. Achievement
• What is the first response system to develop in an individual according to Johnson?

  Attachment or Affiliative subsystem.
• What is the significance of the attachment subsystem in human development?

  It allows for social inclusion, intimacy, and strong social bonds.
• How does dependency behavior manifest according to Johnson?

  It precipitates nurturing behaviors from others, resulting in approval and assistance.
• Why is it difficult to separate the dependency subsystem from the attachment subsystem?

  Because dependency behaviors require someone invested in the individual to respond.
• What does the ingestive subsystem relate to?

  It relates to behaviors surrounding the intake of food.
• How does Johnson view the behaviors surrounding the elimination subsystem?

  They are influenced by socially acceptable behaviors for excretion.
• What does the sexual subsystem reflect according to Johnson?

  It reflects behaviors related to procreation influenced by biological and social factors.
• What is the purpose of the aggressive subsystem?

  It generates defensive responses for protection and self-preservation.
• What behaviors does the achievement subsystem provoke?

  Behaviors that attempt to control the environment through various skills.
• What are the key components of Johnson's nursing metaparadigm?

  • PERSON/HUMAN BEING: Two major systems - biological and behavioral.
  • HEALTH: Determined by psychological, social, biological, and physiological factors.
  • SOCIETY: Environment influencing individual behavior.
  • NURSING: External regulatory force to maintain behavioral balance.
• How does Johnson define health?

  As an elusive state determined by multiple factors aiming for balance.
• What is the role of nursing according to Johnson?

  Nursing acts as an external regulatory force to preserve optimal behavior organization.
• What is the primary goal of nursing practice according to Johnson?

  To foster equilibrium within the individual across the health-illness continuum.
• How does Johnson view the importance of knowledge in nursing?

  Nurses should be grounded in both physical and social sciences influencing behavior.
• What does Johnson mean by nursing being an external regulatory force?

  It regulates a person's behavior when it poses a threat to health.