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nursing theory

Sister Callista Roy's Adaptation Model

Roy's model views the person as an adaptive system constantly interacting with a changing environment. Nursing promotes adaptation across four adaptive modes to support health.

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Key Points to Know

What you must know about Roy Adaptation Model

1

The person is viewed as a holistic adaptive system responding to a changing environment.

2

There are four adaptive modes: physiological, self-concept, role function, and interdependence.

3

Three classes of stimuli affect adaptation: focal (immediate), contextual (contributing), and residual (uncertain/background).

4

Adaptation occurs through the regulator (physiological) and cognator (cognitive-emotional) coping subsystems.

5

The goal of nursing is to promote adaptation and conserve energy for healing.

6

Maladaptive responses are the focus of nursing intervention.

NMCN Exam Tips

How this topic appears in the NMCN exam

Memorise the four adaptive modes — physiological, self-concept, role function, interdependence.

Focal stimulus = the immediate cause confronting the person right now.

Questions often give a scenario and ask which adaptive mode is affected.

Roy = adaptation; do not confuse with Neuman (systems/lines of defence).

Practice Question

Test yourself

In Roy's adaptation model, the stimulus that is immediately confronting the person and is the main cause of the behaviour is called the:

A.Contextual stimulus
B.Residual stimulus
C.Focal stimulus✓ Correct
D.Regulator stimulus

Explanation

The focal stimulus is the internal or external stimulus most immediately confronting the person. Contextual stimuli contribute to the effect, and residual stimuli have an uncertain effect. Regulator is a coping subsystem, not a stimulus.

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