Use of Neuman's Lines of Defense and Resistance in Nursing Research: Conceptual and Empirical Considerations

Abstract

The generation of testable nursing theory requires operationalization of the broad concepts embedded in nursing's conceptual models or grand theories. Operationalization of the Neuman systems model concepts, the flexible line of defense and the lines of resistance, are explored in this article. Conceptual and empirical concerns imposed on the researcher when employing the model are discussed.

Stressors in five client populations: Neuman systems model‐based literature review

“…Building on this body of knowledge, future research could concentrate on correlational studies to determine the extent of normal line of defence invasion after taking into account the strength of the stressor and the flexible line of defence variables. Also, models that investigate the ability of the lines of resistance to mediate the response between normal line of defence invasion and core response (Gigliotti 1997) should be developed.…”

The Neuman Systems Model Institute: Testing Middle-Range Theories

“…Research methodology principles and data analytic techniques, based on Gigliotti's (1997) work, are included. Phenomena of interest include the five client system variables (physiological, psychological, spiritual, developmental, and sociocultural) as components of stressors, the core, lines of resistance, and the flexible and normal lines of defense.…”

Prevention as intervention

“…Constructs of major importance such as lines of defence and resistance and the process of reconstitution need to be explicated more fully for future theory‐testing research that is congruent with the underlying assumptions of the theory. There is current evidence ( Capers 1995, Gigliotti 1997) that such work is in progress.…”