Critical Indicators for the Nursing Diagnosis of Threatened Self-Concept

Ann Marie Cheney, Marquette University

Abstract

Assisting clients to achieve congruence between their health state and their self-concept is a nursing responsibility. Effectively meeting this responsibility is dependent on the ability to diagnose client responses related to self-concept. Utilizing the conceptual framework of Bonham-Cheney for Concept of Self, critical indicators for the nursing diagnosis of threatened self-concept have been developed. Following a review of the literature on self-concept and its component parts, the Bonham-Cheney model will be discussed. The critical indicators, drawn from the documentation of clinical practice as a graduate student in nursing, will then be presented. Implications for nursing practice and research will also be discussed.