Purpose:

The purpose of required threaded discussions is an interactive dialogue among instructors and students to assist the student in organizing, integrating, applying, and critically appraising one’s knowledge regarding the nursing profession and selected area of practice. Scholarly information obtained from current sources as well as professional communication is required. The articles should have been published within the past 5 years and be peer reviewed. In some cases, you will need to pull in content from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Application of information to advance practice nursing experiences promotes the analysis and use of principles, knowledge and information learned and related to real-life clinical situations. Interactive dialogue among instructors and peers fosters the development of a learning community as ideas, perspectives and knowledge is shared.

Humanistic Theory: Key Theorists and Contrasts

Humanistic theory focuses on self-actualization, personal growth, and the inherent goodness of individuals. The two most influential theorists are:

1. Carl Rogers (Person-Centered Therapy)

   • Emphasized unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence.
   • Believed in the self-concept and the importance of a growth-promoting environment.
   • Therapy is non-directive, allowing clients to explore their own solutions.

2. Abraham Maslow (Hierarchy of Needs)

   • Proposed a five-tier model of human motivation, with self-actualization at the top.
   • Focused on fulfilling basic needs (physiological, safety, love, esteem) before achieving self-actualization.
   • More focused on motivation and potential rather than therapy.

Contrast: While Rogers emphasized a therapeutic process that fosters growth, Maslow was more concerned with motivation and fulfilling human potential. Rogers’ work applied directly to therapy, whereas Maslow’s theory serves as a broader psychological framework.

Motivational Interviewing and the Stages of Change

Motivational Interviewing (MI): A client-centered counseling approach developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick that helps individuals resolve ambivalence about change.

Key Principles:

1. Express Empathy – Understanding the client’s perspective without judgment.
2. Develop Discrepancy – Highlighting the gap between current behavior and future goals.
3. Roll with Resistance – Avoiding confrontation and working with resistance.
4. Support Self-Efficacy – Encouraging belief in one’s ability to change.

Stages of Change (Transtheoretical Model – Prochaska & DiClemente):

1. Precontemplation – No intention to change.
2. Contemplation – Aware of the problem but ambivalent.
3. Preparation – Commitment to change and planning.
4. Action – Active modification of behavior.
5. Maintenance – Sustaining changes over time.APA