The Johnson Behavioral System Model cap-
tures the richness and complexity of nursing.
While the perspective presented here is em-
bedded in the past, there remains the poten-
tiality for the theory’s further development
and the uncovering and shaping of signifi-
cant research problems that have both theo-
retical and practical value. There are a variety
of problem areas worthy of investigation that
are suggested by the JBSM assumptions and
from previous studies. Some examples in-
clude examining the levels of integration (bi-
ological, psychological, and sociocultural)
within and between the subsystems. For ex-
ample, a study could examine the way a per-
son deals with the transition from health to
illness with the onset of asthma. There is
concern with the relations between one’s
biological system (e.g., unstable, problems
breathing), one’s psychological self (e.g.,
achievement goals, need for assistance, self-
concept), self in relation to the physical envi-
ronment (e.g., allergens, being away from
home), and transactions related to the socio-
cultural context (e.g., attitudes and values
about the sick). The study of transitions (e.g.,
the onset of puberty, menopause, death of a
spouse, onset of acute illness) also represents
a treasury of open problems for research with
the JBSM. Findings obtained from these
studies will provide not only an opportunity
to revise and advance the theoretical concep-
tualization of the JBSM, but will also provide
information about nursing interventions.
The JBSM approach leads us to seek common
organizational parameters in every scientific
explanation and does so using a shared lan-
guage about nursing and nursing care.References
Ainsworth, M. (1964). Patterns of attachment behavior shown
by the infant in interactions with mother.Merrill-Palmer
Quarterly, 10,51–58.
Auger, J. (1976).Behavioral systems and nursing.Englewood
Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Auger, J., & Dee, V. (1983). A patient classification system based
on the Behavioral Systems Model of Nursing: Part 1.Journal
of Nursing Administration, 13(4), 38–43.
Buckley, W. (Ed.). (1968).Modern systems research for the behav-
ioral scientist.Chicago: Aldine.
Chin, R. (1961). The utility of system models and developmen-
tal models for practitioners. In Benne, K., Bennis, W., & Chin,
R. (Eds.),The planning of change.New York: Holt.
Coward, D. D., & Wilke, D. J. (2000). Metastatic bone pain:
Meanings associated with self-report and management deci-
sion making.Cancer Nursing, 23(2), 101–108.
Crandal, V. (1963). Achievement. In Stevenson, H. W. (Ed.),
Child psychology.Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Cronbach, L. J., & Meehl, P. (1955). Construct validity in psy-
chological tests.Psychological Bulletin, 52,281–301.
Dee, V. (1990). Implementation of the Johnson Model: One
hospital’s experience. In Parker, M. (Ed.),Nursing theories
in practice(pp. 33–63). New York: National League for
Nursing.
Dee, V., & Auger, J. (1983). A patient classification system based
on the Behavioral System Model of Nursing: Part 2.Journal of
Nursing Administration, 13(5), 18–23.
Dee, V., & Randell, B. P. (1989).NPH patient classification system:
A theory based nursing practice model for staffing.Paper pre-
sented at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute, Los Angeles,
CA.
Dee, V., Van Servellen, G., & Brecht, M. (1998). Managed behav-
ioral health care patients and their nursing care problems,
level of functioning and impairment on discharge.Journal of
the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 4(2), 57–66.
Derdiarian, A. K. (1983). An instrument for theory and research
development using the behavioral systems model for nursing:
The cancer patient.Nursing Research, 32,196–201.
Derdiarian, A. K. (1988). Sensitivity of the Derdiarian
Behavioral Systems Model Instrument to age, site and type of
cancer: A preliminary validation study.Scholarly Inquiring for
Nursing Practice, 2,103–121.
Derdiarian, A. K. (1990). The relationships among the subsys-
tems of Johnson’s Behavioral System Model.Image, 22,
219–225.
Derdiarian, A. (1991). Effects of using a nursing model-based
instrument on the quality of nursing care. Nursing
Administration Quarterly, 15(3), 1–16.
Derdiarian, A. K., & Forsythe, A. B. (1983). An instrument for
theory and research development using the behavioral sys-
tems model for nursing: The cancer patient. Part II.Nursing
Research, 3,260–266.
Derdiarian, A. K., & Schobel, D. (1990). Comprehensive assess-
ment of AIDS patients using the behavioral systems model for
nursing practice instrument.Journal of Advanced Nursing, 15,
436–446.
D’Huyvetter, C. (2000). The trauma disease.Journal of Trauma
Nursing, 7(1), 5–12.
Gerwitz, J. (Ed.). (1972). Attachment and dependency.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Grubbs, J. (1980). An interpretation of the Johnson behavioral
system model. In Riehl, J. P., & Roy, C. (Eds.),Conceptual
models for nursing practice(pp. 217–254). New York:
Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Harris, R. B. (1986). Introduction of a conceptual model into a
fundamental baccalaureate course. Journal of Nursing
Education, 25,66–69.
Holaday, B. (1972). Unpublished operationalization of the
Johnson Model. University of California, Los Angeles.92 SECTION II Evolution of Nursing Theory: Essential Influences