The perception of time as a factor in Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings: a literature review.

Abstract

This literature review examines an operationalization of Martha Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings. The principle of helicy and the theory of accelerating evolution has been used by a number of authors as a theoretical framework for the exploration of how patients, particularly those who are elderly, perceive the passage of time. Although there is no conclusive evidence to support the aspect of Rogers' theory of accelerating evolution that suggests that as people grow older they perceive time as passing more quickly, there is evidence that suggests that different elderly patients can have a variable perception of the passage of time. For example, some patients perceive the passage of time as rapid and will be happy to sit quietly. Others may perceive the passage of time as occurring more slowly and will require diversional therapy. A conclusion is reached that nurses should include individual assessments of the patients' perception of the passage of time in order to identify accurately the degree of need for diversional activities.