Custom-Written, AI & Plagiarism-Free with Passing "Guaranteed"

money back guartee

Role of the Spiritual Variable in Nursing Practice

Assignment Brief

Nursing

According to Neuman’s theory, a human being is a total person as a client system and the person is a layered, multidimensional being. Each layer consists of a five-person variable or subsystem:

  1. physiological
  2. psychological
  3. sociocultural
  4. developmental
  5. spiritual

Considering the ‘spiritual’ variable:

  • Do you feel this variable exists at all?

  • Does it have as wide-ranging results as Neuman claims?

  • Is it appropriate for an APRN to participate in or work with the patient’s spiritual dimension?

Sample Answer

Neuman’s Systems Model and the Role of the Spiritual Variable in Nursing Practice

Introduction

Betty Neuman’s Systems Model is a widely used nursing theory that views a human being as a total client system, consisting of multiple interacting subsystems or variables. These variables, physiological, psychological, sociocultural, developmental, and spiritual, combine to create a holistic understanding of the patient as more than just a body with symptoms. Neuman (1989) described this framework as multidimensional, layered, and interdependent, emphasising the importance of addressing all variables to protect and promote patient wellbeing.

Among these, the spiritual variable remains the most contested. It is harder to measure than physical or psychological health, yet it plays a significant role for many patients. The following essay explores three main issues: whether the spiritual dimension truly exists, whether it has as wide-ranging effects as Neuman suggests, and whether it is appropriate for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) to work with or participate in the patient’s spiritual domain.

The Spiritual Variable: Does it Exist?

To answer this, it is important to first define spirituality. Spirituality is not confined to religion but often overlaps with it. It may include a sense of connection to a higher power, to nature, or simply to values such as compassion, justice, and personal meaning (Puchalski et al., 2014). For many patients, spirituality surfaces during times of illness, suffering, or death, when questions about purpose and meaning become unavoidable.

The existence of spirituality can be seen in practice. Patients may request prayer, seek religious leaders, or simply express concerns about life purpose. Even those who identify as non-religious often acknowledge an inner life tied to values, ethics, or existential beliefs. Neuman’s inclusion of spirituality recognises this reality. It exists not necessarily as a universal truth, but as a lived experience for individuals.

Critics argue that spirituality cannot be considered a “variable” like physiology or psychology because it lacks clear measurement. Yet, healthcare has increasingly accepted subjective measures such as quality of life or pain scales, which are not purely objective but still guide care. Similarly, spirituality exists as a subjective but real component of health.

The Impact of Spirituality

Neuman claimed that spirituality influences the entire client system and can have effects as profound as those of the physiological dimension. The evidence for this claim is mixed but compelling.

Continued...


100% Plagiarism Free & Custom Written,
tailored to your instructions
paypal checkout
no ai guaranteed

Assignment Experts UK delivers 100% original, custom-written work. We don't use paraphrasing tools, AI content generators like ChatGPT, or any writing software. All content is self-written by our expert writers and guaranteed plagiarism-free.

Discover more


International House, 12 Constance Street, London, United Kingdom,
E16 2DQ

UK Registered Company # 11483120


100% Pass Guaranteed

STILL NOT CONVINCED?

Check out samples from our Academic Writing Service, created by our writers to showcase the high-quality work you can expect!

View Our Samples

✨ Your Assignment Rescue Is Here!

Get your assignments written by UK’s top professionals and enjoy 35% OFF — hurry, this deal won’t last long!

Offer ends in: 00:00:00
Order Now
We're Open