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1. Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study Paper
Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study PaperA body or
collection of knowledge that is of most use in giving definitions and explanation to the
profession of nursing is referred to as a nursing theory.Behavioral Systems Theory
Utilization and Application Case Study Paper Theories are based on assumptions made up of
models, concepts, definitions, and propositions. Croyle (2005) defines a good theory as one
that is logical, supported by a past research in the same field, consistent with everyday
observations. Florence Nightingale is seen as the forerunner of nursing theories although
she never really came up with any theory in action today. She wrote a book about her
nursing experiences giving way to numerous nursing theories. This paper is about the
utilization and application of a nursing theory in addressing a clinical issue. Of particular
interest is Dorothy Johnson’s Behavioral systems model (Johnson, 1980). This paper
attempts to identify a clinical problem in the society and apply the principles of Johnson’s
theory in finding the solution to the problem. The issue identified is aggressive behavior in
the elderly living in long-term care nursing homes.ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER
HEREIn the nursing profession, theories form a very vital part of the system. The main aim
of nursing theories is description, explanation, and prediction of nursing
phenomenon.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study Paper A
good theory in this field therefore ensures better patient care, professionalism, and better
communication between nurses and above all provides guidance on further research and
education in the field. A good theory has provisions for foundations of the nursing practice
to help in the generation of further knowledge and giving good direction to the field. A
theory shows what we already know and what we need to find out thus in nursing, it plays a
central role in caring for patients. Theories thus go a long way in the development of the
profession.Dorothy Johnson is the proponent of the Behavioral Systems model. Born in
Georgia on the 21st of august 1919, she received her A.A in 1938 from Armstrong Junior
College. In 1942, she graduated from the Vanderbilt University with a B.S.N. she got her
M.P.H. from Harvard University in 1948. She was involved in teaching pediatric nursing at
Vanderbilt University before joining the University of California in Los Angeles.Behavioral
Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study PaperJohnson (1980) states that the
eight subsystems of behavior are interdependent, interactive and integrated at the same
time. According to her, humans are behavioral systems made up of the following seven
subsystems: the achievement deals with setting and attaining goals while the affinitive
forms relationships with others. The aggressive/protective has the function of responding

2. to threats and providing protection to one’s self while the dependency subsystem obtains
necessary feedback about the self and goes ahead to recognize the need to depend on
others. Whereas the eliminative part expresses feelings to the outside world and is involved
in the elimination of wastes from the body system, the ingestive is involved in the intake of
the ever so valuable nutrients and acquiring knowledge. The sexual subsystem is for
recreation, development of gender based identity and having sexual relationships with
others. In other words, the seven subsystems need to be in good conditions and in action for
a normal healthy human being.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case
Study Paper Interaction between the seven subsystems is in turn interrelated and
connected such that they influence each other in delivering their various duties.However,
the seven subsystems do not go it alone as they are also acted on, significantly, by external
factors. For Johnson, the environment is the main external factor as it includes anything and
everything outside the person in question. The physical, socio-cultural and to some extent
even the economic factors form part of the external actors on the subsystems. Aggressive
behavior is a social issue and the society forms the major part of the external environment.
The main role played by nurses is thus helping the affected individual return to the normal
balance of the seven subsystems.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application
Case Study Paper To achieve the possible ultimate functioning behavior, the nurses at the
care facilities have to make the social environment of the patients comfortable so they feel
at ease.When the subsystem fails to develop fully and/or does not get sufficient supply of
something, it easily falls out of balance. At other times there is discrepancy meaning that the
subsystem is not doing enough to attain the end goal, which is being in the best state.
Conflict between the components of the subsystem is not good for the body just as much as
one of the subsystems being dominant in action over the rest. They are the major causes of
imbalance in the subsystem that results in people not feeling well and consequently falling
ill. In the case of aggressive behavior, the aggressive subsystem is dominant over the other
subsystems. When this energy is not channeled in the right direction clinical issues arise.
These can be witnessed in form of violence, or aggressive language (Croyle, 2005).ORDER A
PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERERegulation of behavior is the best way for the person to get
back the balance hence is well again.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application
Case Study Paper The nurses at the care facilities for the elderly have to pay attention to any
changes in the behavior of their patients. Alteration of the internal as well as external
environment while n some cases stimulation of the recovery process goes a long way in
aiding the patient to return to the normal balance. The unfamiliar environment in the
facilities sometimes causes aggressive behavior, especially amongst the elderly in the care
facilities. Elderly people at the facilities need the nurses to help with the aggressive
behavior (Croyle, 2005).It is Johnson’s belief that the basic responsibility of the nurse is to
support the patient restore balance when lost and in case of imbalance then, achieve the
status quo, which would mean return to normal balance. Nurses, therefore, need to be
patient with patients with aggressive behavior if they are to get to the cause of the problem.
Most aggressive behavior is caused by anger and emotional stress. It is thus upon the nurse
to create conducive external environment for the patient to open up. Thanks to research
and the advancement of science, it is now easier to identify and pinpoint where the problem

3. comes from.In her analysis and development of the theory, Johnson did not fail to mention
the contribution and effects of the environment to the body. Here the environment is
divided into external and internal, the internal being the subsystems while the external
include anything outside the body. On health, the theory holds that a healthy person is one
with a perfect balance and stability in the operations of the seven subsystems. The nurse
has a role to play in the regulation of the balance whenever there is instability in the
system.External and internal environments are the main causes of aggression or aggressive
behavior.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study Paper Various
parts of the body contribute differently to aggressive behavior. The brain is the major
controller of aggressive behavior. The brain is in charge of controlling expression of both
automatic and behavioral components of aggression. This includes violent behavior and
vocal expression. The brain picks up signals from both the external and internal
environments and expresses them in form of aggression. Whenever the individual feels
threatened or uncomfortable, they become aggressive in their talk, throwing insults, and
demeaning words. It becomes worse when they turn violent to release the anger they have
inside.By elderly people, we mean those from the age of 65 and above, most of which have
retired. These people are normally seen as a bother to their loved ones as their needs
increase from the normal. They thus need more care which cannot be provided at home so
they are often taken to nursing homes where they can get the proper care. Because of old
age and stress from retirement. These people have difficulty coping with the changes
around them and their behavior changes. Some become aggressive while others develop
mental problems making long-term nursing homes the best to take proper care of these
individuals.There are numerous long-term care facilities ranging from mental institutions
for the mentally handicapped to nursing homes where there are available facilities to assist
them in their daily livelihoods. Most of these facilities are homes to the elderly and those
with terminal illnesses.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study
Paper Of the seven subsystems, the aggressive part of their systems is more active than the
rest. They thus face life-changing issues and try their level best to deal with the emotional as
well as mental challenges. Nurses in these facilities are particularly faced with dealing with
mental issues that come with aggression.Behavioral problems often arise from the patient’s
effort to deal with his emotions or simply express them. The behavior ranges from
repeating questions or phrases, humming, pacing up and down, to repetitive behavior.
Aggressive behavior includes throwing things, punishing language and even hitting (Parker,
2001).ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERENurses in these institutions have to pay
keen attention to such aggressive behavior and identify which of the seven subsystems is
not functioning properly thus help these patients restore balance in their systems. It could
be dependence, the attachment, or the aggressive causing a change in behavior. The
dependence in the sense that the patient who was used to taking care of himself now finds it
frustrating when he has to rely on others for all his needs. The attachment comes in when
the patient struggles to form new relationships at the care facilities and being kept away
from the existing relationships. Normally the patient plays a role in the behavioral system
model of treatment but in dealing with mental complications, especially the ones
accompanied by aggressive behavior. Most of the effort is required from the part of the

4. nurse who has to be patient with the patient.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and
Application Case Study PaperOnes the subsystem causing the change in behavior has been
identified, the nurse goes ahead to ensure conducive external environment to aid the
patient to full recovery. The patient has to feel comfortable in the care facility because any
irritation or discomfort agitates them. The patient is incapable of controlling their feelings
or emotions and may be aggressive in expressing what they feel. The nurse therefore has a
duty to stimulate the internal environment to be peaceful through the external.Behavioral
Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study Paper It is not easy to take care of
mentally ill patients because the problem lies within their minds.The best way to help the
patient is by finding out what changed in their past behavior. What happened before they
became ill is crucial in determining the problem and adjusting the environment in an
attempt to direct the patient to recovery of the balance in the subsystem. Depression is one
of the commonest common mental-health problems in health facilities. Loneliness, fear of
death, helplessness, frustration, anger, and hopelessness are some of the challenges of post-
retirement faced by the elderly. Depression has many symptoms one of them having trouble
falling asleep (Parker, 2001). These symptoms are often seen as complications and most
people try treating them instead of observing change of behavior in the individual and
restoring balance.Depression can be solved by improving the external environment of the
patient. Mavis et al (2011) states that anti-depressants are available and can be used to
treat depression. He continues to state that the elderly always have difficulties with their
carers thus adding more problems to the recovery process. The nurse should involve the
patient in support groups; give medication to stimulate recovery of the internal
environment, and involving them in activities that spark their interests. Individual therapy
and interaction with loved ones is vital for the recovery of these patients.Behavioral
Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study Paper Depression is a mental
complication and just like others, it affects the mind. The nurses have a responsibility to try
to stimulate the mind in the right direction to encourage quick recovery and development of
the mental system.Mavis (2011) confirms that some of the causes of depression include
illness, loneliness, an adverse life-event, and even some medication. According to him,
depression is an insight to more cognitive problems that the elderly have to deal with. This
is where the environment comes in. the internal, (subsystems), have to be kept in balance.
The external environment helps the patient fit in properly and be free with the nurses. The
patient opens up easily to discuss problems when the surrounding is to his comfort. Nurses
have to help them fit in to the care centers.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and
Application Case Study PaperIn conclusion, the behavioral system theory is very useful in
the treatment of mental illnesses. The mind is affected by the body’s subsystems and
ensuring restoration of balance in the subsystems will go a long way in treatment of mental
illnesses especially among the elderly. Not being able to express their feelings to the carers
is a big problem to the resolution of aggressive behavior. Improving their environment and
making the patient comfortable calms them down and thus improve the internal
environment as well.Behavioral Systems Theory Utilization and Application Case Study
Paper