Nonlinear dynamics: chaos and catastrophe theory

Nonlinear relationships are attracting much attention in nursing. Nonlinear dynamics are used abstractly as theory and also may be applied in a concrete sense to explain data. There is often confusion and misunderstanding about aspects of nonlinear dynamics. This article explores two of the more well known areas of nonlinear dynamics--chaos and catastrophe theory. A summary of each is given, areas of commonality and distinction are explored, and guidelines for application are identified.