defense protects the normal line of defense. The
client has more protection from stressors when the
flexible line expands away from the normal line of
defense. The opposite is true when the flexible line
moves closer to the normal line of defense. The ef-
fectiveness of the buffer system can be reduced by
single or multiple stressors. The flexible line of de-
fense can be rapidly altered over a relatively short
time period. States of emergency, or short-term
conditions, such as loss of sleep, poor nutrition, or
dehydration, are examples of what the client is like
in the temporary state that is represented by the
flexible line of defense (Neuman, 1995). Consider
the latter examples. What are the effects of short-
term loss of sleep, poor nutrition, or dehydration
on a client’s normal state of wellness? Will these sit-
uations increase the possibility for stressor penetra-
tion? The answer is that the possibility for stressor
penetration may be increased. The actual response
depends upon the accordion-like mechanism pre-
viously described, along with the other compo-
nents of the client system.
Normal Line of Defense
The normal line of defense represents what the
client has become over time, or the usual state of
The normal line of defense represents
what the client has become over time,
or the usual state of wellness.
wellness. The nurse should determine the client’s
usual level of wellness in order to recognize a
change in the level of wellness. The normal line of
defense is considered dynamic by Neuman, because
it can expand or contract over time. She demon-
strated this dynamic state by giving an example in
which the usual wellness level or system stability
decreases, remains the same, or improves following
treatment of a stressor reaction. Neuman also con-
siders the normal line of defense dynamic because
of its ability to become and remain stabilized with
life stresses over time. The basic structure and
system integrity are protected (Neuman, 1995).
Lines of Resistance
Neuman identified the series of concentric circles
that surround the basic structure as lines of resist-
ance for the client. When the normal line of defense
is penetrated by stressors, a degree of reaction, or
signs and/or symptoms, will occur. Lines of resist-
ance are activated following invasion of the normal
line of defense by environmental stressors. Each
line of resistance contains known and unknown in-
ternal and external resource factors. These factors
support the client’s basic structure and the normal
line of defense, resulting in protection of system in-
tegrity. Examples of the factors that support the
basic structure and normal line of defense include
the body’s mobilization of white blood cells and ac-
tivation of the immune system mechanisms. There
CHAPTER 18 Betty Neuman:The Neuman Systems Model and Global Applications 285
Line
sofResistan
ce
Nor
malLineofDefens
e
Flexi
bleLineofDefens
e
Basic structure
Basic factors common to
all organisms, i.e,
Normal temperature
range
Genetic structure
Response pattern
Organ strength or
weakness
Ego structure
Knowns or commonalities
Physiological, psychological, sociocultural,
developmental, and spiritual variables occur
and are considered simultaneously in each
client concentric circle.
NOTE:
BASIC
STRUCTURE
ENERGY
RESOURCES
FIGURE 18–2 Client-client system. The structure of the client-
client system, including the five variables that are occurring simul-
taneously in each client concentric circle. From Neuman, 1995,
p. 26, with permission.