Exploring Underlying Life Patterns of Women With Multiple Sclerosis or Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparison With NANDA Dimensions

Abstract

In Newman’s theory, disease is one of many manifestations of underlying pattern and its existence provides meaningful information about person-environment interactions. Underlying patterns manifest differently over time, so clues to their understanding can be found within life stories. Further interpretation subsequent to illustrating expanding consciousness for seven women living with multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis suggested six underlying patterns expressed in theoretical terms as energy~fatigue, giving~receiving, rejecting~accepting, vulnerability~resilience, control~release, and being silent~speaking out. Discussion and comparison with the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association’s dimensions for assessment of human response patterns illustrates how nurses caring for women could identify and use underlying patterns in practice.