Evaluation of two assessment techniques for adaptation to stress.

Two conceptual nursing models, Roy's adaptation model and Erickson and Swain's adaptive potential assessment model are explained, and knowledge is identified within these two assessment techniques for adaptation to stress. The purpose is to identify common, noteworthy areas of nursing science as well as areas where further development in nursing knowledge is needed. A case study is used to compare and contrast these models. When assessing adaptation to stress, one similarity between the approaches appears to be a propositional linkage that supports the influence of developmental level on basic need satisfaction. A divergent area between the two models identifies a need for further development in nursing knowledge regarding the adaptive potential status. This includes information pertaining to what an individual can reasonably do or be expected to do when contending with stressors.