An application of Johnson's behavioral model: a case study

The utilization of Johnson's approach to assess clients' behavioral systems demonstrated that it is an effective way of determining the many factors that impinge on an individual's ability to cope with and adapt to change. Small (1980) used the Johnson model as a conceptual framework in assessing the needs of visually impaired children and found that for nursing practice, the Johnson model was a practical tool for implementing all phases of the nursing process encompassing the child's feelings, needs, and desires. Holaday (1980) combined the Johnson model and the Piagetian theory to assess the cognitive development of a 6-year-old, chronically ill child. She found that use of this model for assessment allows the nurse to describe objectively the patient's behavior, which serves to indicate the presence of any disequilibrium. The Johnson model can also be used successfully in a group situation such as a support group for Alzheimer's caregivers, where problem solving and making choices to adapt to lifestyle changes are a definite requirement. For professional nurses in clinical practice, the application of models for assessment of clients will allow them to categorize the phenomena they observe and to gain insight into the clinical situations with which they deal.