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A practicing nursing professional in the mid-20th century, Dorothea Orem is credited with developing the theory of self-care, placing the ultimate responsibility for a person’s health in their own hands. There were several key components to Orem’s theory, all of which emphasized independence and personal responsibility with regards to health, concepts that have persisted in the healthcare profession for generations.
Orem believed that people should be self-reliant; they should take it upon themselves to engage in preventive care and positive health behaviors. They should not, she felt, be forced to do so by their doctor’s urging. They should want to do these things for themselves alone. Further, family members should take responsibility for each other. If one member becomes ill, it should be the responsibility of other family members to provide care; they are all part of the same social unit, and as such, should watch out for one another. Orem believed that it was essential to create a society that not only advocated for self-care, but also created an environment where self-care was a valid option. Ensuring all individuals had access to nutrient-rich food, places to exercise, and information about positive health behaviors is essential to her self-care theory. When our society and culture is able to reinforce these behaviors, individuals themselves will change the way they think and act. Only then can the positive benefits of the self-care theory truly be seen and appreciated for all they are.