Learning Theory and Practice
The humanistic theory of learning puts the recipient of the learning at the center of the learning process—i.e., the individual is the focus rather than the environment, the nurse, the situation, etc. This stems from the person-centered approach that Rogers (1951) developed, describing it as “the best vantage point for understanding behavior is from the internal frame of reference of the individual” (p. 495).
The main advantages of humanistic theory are that: 1) it offers a learner-centered approach to learning that allows the needs of the individual learner to be front and center, and 2) it assists in the development of adequate motivation, relationship-building, communication, and self-efficacy (Halstead, 2007).
When developing a target change to a patient lifestyle, humanistic theory is especially helpful because it allows the patient’s needs to be identified and addressed first and foremost. For example, a patient who is obese may need to implement a healthier dietary and exercise lifestyle. Humanistic theory allows the nurse to identify the needs of the patient first; so instead of simply recommending the right course of action, indifferent to the patient’s underlying needs, the...
References
Halstead, J. (2007). Nurse Educator Competencies: Creating an Evidence-Based Practice for Nurse Educators. New York, NY: National League for Nursing.
Rogers, C. (1951). Client-Centered Therapy. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
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