Application of Newman’s Theory
Upon making a home visit, the nurse researcher embodying
Newman’s theory adopts a non-direct approach, believing
it important to first establish a relationship with Mrs S,
rather than focusing immediately on her dilemma. The
nurse explained her role and purpose of the visit and
asked: ‘What are the most meaningful persons and events
in your life?’ The nurse used active listening, clarification,
reflection and sharing intuitions in terms of what to ask
and how to respond.
In response to the question, Mrs S identified her sick
daughter as the most meaningful person in her life. She
stated:
All my energy goes to caring for her. People and places I
go to are mostly related to my daughter’s care, and they
are the Day Care, the doctor and the hospital. I am busy
every day although I don’t go out every day, and when I
do go out, I go to those places.
Although Newman (1986) explicated relationships among
movement, time and space in her early research, a more
recent focus is placed on pattern recognition and the
unfolding pattern of person–environment over time. With
regard to the most meaningful event in her life, Mrs S