Science Of Unitary Human Beings Research Articles

Book Review: Evolving Rogerian Nursing Science: John R. Phillips’ Unique Contributions, edited by Bartzak et al. (2023). Society of Rogerian Scholars

This is the review of the book, Evolving Rogerian Nursing Science: John R. Phillips’ Unique Contributions (2023), edited and published by the Society of Rogerian Scholars to appreciate John R. Phillips’ contribution to the science of unitary human beings. This book gives nurse scholars a clear understanding of Rogers’ unitary science of human beings and suggestions for the onward development of the discipline of nursing.

Ever-Evolving Nursing Science in a Unitary Universe.

This article is an introduction to the review of Evolving Rogerian Nursing Science: John R. Phillips' Unique Contributions, published by the Society of Rogerian Scholars in 2023. This reviewed book compiles John R. Phillips' publications spanning 1990 to 2023, cherishing his dedication and commitment to the science of unitary human beings. It also portrays ever-evolving changes in nursing as a never-ending mutual process in the pandimensional universe, reflecting the beauty of Martha E. Rogers' vision as illustrated by Dr. Phillips.

Science of Unitary Human Beings: Toward Anti-racist Actions for Human Environment Wellbecoming.

Rogers' Science of Unitary Human Beings (SUHB) and several theories that emanate from Rogers' work contain foundational concepts that may lend themselves toward nursing actions to address important social justice mandates, to advocate and to act for equity, and to uproot systems of oppression and racism in nursing. However, at the same time, theoretical concepts such as power arising from ascendant theories of SUHB are often used with little to no critical reflection for past and present-day histories of racism and power inequities in nursing and in society writ large. Using concepts related to SUHB such as integrality, turbulence, power, and patterning, we critically explore the potential of developing anti-racism reflections and actions through 3 theories: Barrett's Knowing Participation in Change; Butcher's Kaleidoscoping in Life's Turbulence; and Smith's Turbulence-Ease in the Rhythmic Flow of Patterning. We acknowledge that SUHB was/is largely developed within a framework of whiteness by scholars who were/are working from academic positions and social identities of societal safety and privilege. This requires nurses to reflect on how that history shapes SUHB. We also acknowledge the urgent need for ongoing anti-racism and justice work by nurses. As a call to action, we suggest a start by critically building upon existing theoretical foundations in SUHB to develop a more explicit anti-racist theorizing-praxis in nursing for the wellbecoming of humans and nonhumans alike.

Evolution of the Language in the Science of Unitary Human Beings.

This article presents a discussion of the evolution of the language of the Science of Unitary Human Beings from the terms used by Martha Rogers in her 1970 book to changes in terms Rogers introduced in her publications over the ensuing years to new terms and language offered by Rogerian scholars before and after Rogers' death in 1994. The article follows from Rogers' insistence that the language of a science, which evolves from general language, should be specific to the level of abstraction of the relevant concepts.

The application of Martha Rogers' science of unitary human beings in nursing care: A case report

This research constitutes a case study wherein the implementation of Martha Rogers' Unitary Human Science model was executed on a patient admitted for an angiography procedure. The nursing care, predicated on the Martha Rogers model, was conducted in three stages: pattern appraisal, mutual patterning, and evaluation. In this study, by the patient's needs and the necessary modifications made in their environment, patterns that diminished performance or exacerbated disease were rectified. Consequently, optimal health was achieved for the patient. Hence, it is advocated that nursing professionals incorporate Martha Rogers' theoretical framework into their clinical practice, as it facilitates a holistic approach to patient care.

Martha Rogers' science of unitary human beings in relation to workers health and well-being: A scoping review.

Workers' health and well-being are topics on the rise within occupational research. Rogers' science of unitary human beings can potentially contribute to increased knowledge in the area. However, no previous review has investigated how the theory has been used in relation to workers in working life. The aim of this scoping review was to provide an overview of studies that have used Rogers' science of unitary human beings to study workers health and well-being in working life. A literature search was conducted in CINAHL and PubMed, and other relevant sources in May-June 2022. The results showed that there seems to be a lack of use of Rogers' science of unitary human beings regarding workers health and well-being in working life. The overarching theme was: Well-being as an essential phenomenon in working life in all dimensions of existing. The theory has potential to contribute more to research regarding workers' health and well-being in working life.

Biographical Narrative Research From the Perspective of the Science of Unitary Human Beings: A Methodological Approach.

Narrating or storytelling is a fundamental practice for human survival and a means for finding meaning in experiences and for enhancing self-understanding. The use of story has been present in nursing since its origins. Biographical narrative has rarely been used as a research method in nursing, and there are no examples conceptualizing biographical narrative research methods within a unitary science perspective. The purpose of this paper is to describe one specific narrative methodological approach-the biographical narrative research method-and to link the method to the science of unitary human beings as a means of creating a unitary understanding of the storied nature of human-health experiences.

Experiences With a Distant Reiki Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using the Science of Unitary Human Beings Framework.

An increasing number of individuals are reporting increased stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. A feasibility, mixed-method design was conducted to investigate distant Reiki as a virtual healing modality within Rogers' framework of the Science of Unitary Human Beings. Data were collected using pre- and post-distant Reiki session interviews and 2 surveys. Study findings demonstrated changes in participant pattern manifestation and statistically significant reductions in perceived stress and anxiety (P < .001). The preliminary findings support the feasibility of distant Reiki and suggest that nurses, who are Reiki practitioners, may influence the human-environmental field to foster healing.

A Rogerian Vision of Gender in a Pandimensional Universe.

Rogers' science of unitary human beings is used to present a unitary process in the origin of humans and the evolution of gender. It is suggested that the increasing diversity of gender may be indicative of the future of humankind. Human field image and Barrett's power theory are used to understand gender identity, experience, and expression for wellbecoming.

A Life in Nursing Science: A Dialogue With Dr. Marlaine C. Smith.

The year 2022 is Nursing Science Quarterly's 35th year in publication, and we are dialoging with nurse theorists. We hope to uncover influences and origins of their theoretical thinking and hear about their current projects related to nursing science. In this scholarly dialogue column, we dialogue with Dr. Marlaine C. Smith, nurse theorist, Professor Emeritus, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, and president of the Society of Rogerian Scholars. Her contribution to nursing science began with her own inquisitiveness, the influence of nursing faculty and mentors, and an academic career based steeped in leadership and nursing theory. Her middle-range theory of unitary caring synthesizes her work in the science of unitary human beings and caring science.

The Revelation of Beauty in Nursing.

A recent insight into the attributes of beauty is used to show its relations to nursing science and its theories and paradigms. It is indicated how insight into beauty came from energyspirit perceptions-experiences of feelings from art objects. Rogers and her science of unitary human beings are viewed from the attributes of beauty. It is recommended nursing consider beauty as a concept for the advancement of nursing science.

The Holistic Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms.

This article describes a holistic revisioning of symptom theory for nursing practice. The Holistic Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (HTOUS), informed by the Science of Unitary Human Beings, describes the complexity of symptom experience and how nursing actions can be associated with its transformation. Existing theories of unpleasant symptoms which broadly describe the antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of symptoms, have been reconceptualized from holistic and integral perspectives. Applying integral concepts such as human energy field and pattern manifestation expands understanding of both symptom experience and the nurse's response to it. Spirituality is an addition to symptom theory, being seen as a characteristic of Human Energy Field pattern manifestations. The theory's major concepts are symptom experience manifestations and wellbecoming manifestations. Concepts of the sustaining presence of the nurse and voluntary mutual patterning are explored. Pain, nausea, dyspnea, anxiety, despair, and other symptoms are discussed. Because HTOUS is acausal and nonlinear, it is widely applicable to creative, theory-directed nursing practice and research. Recommendations are made for practice, research, and further theory development.

A Systematic Literature Review of Animal-Assisted Interventions in Oncology (Part II): Theoretical Mechanisms and Frameworks.

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can improve patients’ quality of life as complementary medical treatments. Part I of this 2-paper systematic review focused on the methods and results of cancer-related AAIs; Part II discusses the theories of the field’s investigators. Researchers cite animal personality, physical touch, physical movement, distraction, and increased human interaction as sources of observed positive outcomes. These mechanisms then group under theoretical frameworks such as the social support hypothesis or the human-animal bond concept to fully explain AAI in oncology. The cognitive activation theory of stress, the science of unitary human beings, and the self-object hypothesis are additional frameworks mentioned by some researchers. We also discuss concepts of neurobiological transduction connecting mechanisms to AAI benefits. Future researchers should base study design on theories with testable hypotheses and use consistent terminology to report results. This review aids progress toward a unified theoretical framework and toward more holistic cancer treatments.

Unitariology and the Changing Frontiers of the Science of Unitary Human Beings.

The evolution of Rogers' use of the word unitary and the changing frontiers of her science are discussed. The author shows how Rogers' science illuminates issues in nursing such as nursing as a basic or applied science, health as wellbecoming, and proposed changes in nursing education and research. The process of the creation of the pandimensional awareness-integral presence theory is presented.

The Importance of a Nursing Theoretical Framework for Nursing Practice: Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings and Barrett’s Theory of Knowing Participation in Change as Exemplars

Martha E. Rogers (1970, 1990, 1992) was one of the first to maintain that nursing is both a science and an art, a learned profession based on an organized body of nursing-specific knowledge. Indeed, as early as 1963, she wrote, “Instruction in the theoretical basis of nursing practice is the hard core of baccalaureate education in nursing…professional nursing services cannot be provided unless the theoretical base is present” (1963, p. 61). Rogers saw the unique focus of nursing as irreducible human beings and environment, both identified as energy fields, with the purpose of nursing as promoting well-being and health throughout the life process, including dying. Nurses help people participate knowingly in the life process, actualizing potentials deemed commensurate with personal wellbeing. Together, nurses and clients participate mutually and knowledgeably to optimize potentials. Building on these assumptions, Elizabeth E. A. M. Barrett (1988, 2010, 2015) derived her theory of power as knowing participation in change and a tool to measure it while working with Rogers as a student in the doctoral program at New York University. The author provides a brief overview of both Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings and Barrett’s theory of power as knowing participation in change and discusses their relevance to practice.

HEALING TOUCH AS SELF-CARE FOR VETERANS WITH HYPERTENSION

Seventy-eight million Americans suffer from hypertension, a key factor of cardiovascular diseases nationally and worldwide. Stress has been implicated as one of the contributors to hypertension (HTN). One out of every three veterans are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Roger’s Theory of Science of Unitary Human Beings and Lazarus’ Transactional Theory of stress were used to guide this study. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether the use of self-care healing touch, can reduce stress and anxiety in veterans 60 and older, diagnosed with hypertension. In this a pre-intervention, post-intervention randomized two-group experimental pilot study, 24 veterans, 10 African American, 9 Caucasians, 6 other, were recruited from Los Angeles County. Participants were randomized into 2 groups (intervention and control) for this 4 week study. Outcome measures included changes in blood pressure, self-reported stress using the Daily Stress Inventory (DSI) and anxiety measured using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI). Results showed a significant difference in the systolic blood pressure in the intervention group compared to the control group at Week 4. There was a marginal significance found in the heart rate, but no statistical significance seen in the stress or anxiety results on this minimal sampling study.

Graduate Students' Reflections on Elder and End-of-Life Care for Prisoners.

The focus of this report was graduate nursing students' reflections on elder and end-of-life care for prisoners. The personal reflections of 21 graduate nursing students who attended a presentation by Susan J. Loeb on October 26, 2016 were included in this report. The title of the presentation was "Enhancing End-of-Life Care for Prisoners Through Partnering With the Prison Community." The student essays were synthesized to construct a summary essay, from which four themes were identified: aging in prison, dying in prison, ethical and professional issues in the elder and end-of-life care of prisoners, and ethical and professional issues in research involving elderly and end-of-life care of prisoners. These findings were interpreted from a global perspective in light of two different nursing perspectives: the humanbecoming tradition and the science of unitary human beings.

Patient Advocacy in an Obstetric Setting.

A correlation study design was used to examine the interrelatedness of power, attitudes regarding intermittent fetal monitoring, and perceived barriers to research utilization with a labor and delivery nurse's attitude toward patient advocacy using the conceptual framework of the science of unitary human beings. The linear combination of the three independent variables was significantly correlated to attitude toward patient advocacy and power as knowing participation in change had the greatest impact on patient advocacy.

Quilting a Field Pattern Portrait Using Butcher's Methodology.

The nursing profession acknowledges Martha Rogers to the foundation of nursing theory as a true visionary. Butcher developed a method that ensures scientific rigor in the application of Rogerian theory, unitary field pattern portrait (UFPP), which was used to explore new phenomenon of inquiry resulting in insights into Rogerian pandimensionality. In this intervention, an American Indian tradition, quilting, became a culturally appropriate way for a nurse to facilitate healing through the application of Rogerian theory. In Rogers's theory of the science of unitary human beings, pattern unfolding becomes a way of knowing through expansion, evolving, blossoming, revealing, and openness. Rogers's theory was used to encourage healing as an American Indian mother and deeply depressed daughter created a quilting story based on Rogerian principles: resonancy, helicy, and integrality. This aesthetic field patterning modality using Butcher's UFPP captured the intervention as clients were engaged in health patterning through the American Indian tradition of quilting. Field notes with reflective journaling as recommended by Butcher assisted in the crystallization of a UFPP drawn from Rogerian nursing theory.

The Science of Unitary Human Beings in a Creative Perspective.

In moving into a new kind of world, nurses are encouraged to look ahead and be innovative by transcending to new ways of using nursing knowledge while embracing a new worldview. "We need to recognize that we're going to have to use our imagination more and more" (Rogers, 1994). On that note, the author in this paper explicates Rogers' science of unitary human beings in a creative way relating it to painting. In addition, the author also explores works derived from Rogers' science such as Butcher's (1993) and Cowling's (1997), which are here discussed in light of an artwork. A painting is presented with the unpredictability, creativity, and the "dance of color and light" (Butcher, 1993) is appreciated through comprehending essence, pandimensionality, and wholeness.