Orem's model used for health promotion: directions from research

Orem's theories of self-care and self-care deficit contain several propositions important to health promotion. This article presents results of tests of these relationships, which indicated partial support for the model. In an aggregate sample of 369 adolescents, self-care and self-care agency were significant predictors of health. This relationship held when health was defined as a general positive state of integrity and soundness, but not when it was considered as merely the absence of disease.