Roy (2009) asserted that there are times in each person’s development that radical life
changes occur. These include events such as a serious or critical illness, and change in support
systems. They have a great impact on the individual’s interdependence and adaptation as a
whole which in turn affects the person’s self-concept and role function. Significant others
(i.e. family members) are the individuals to whom the most meaning or importance is given.
Support systems are persons (i.e. nurses, and family members), groups, and organisations
(i.e. the healthcare team in the ICU) with which the patient associates in order to achieve
affectional adequacy during critical illness.