Psychosexual development: a model for teaching nursing intervention

Abstract

This model is an attempt to meaningfully reduce psychosexual development to its essential elements in order to facilitate learning, and, ultimately, the development of nursing interventions that are evolved from a theoretical base, produced out of a wholistic view of psychosexual development and arise from a conception of sexuality as a healthy, normal phenomenon. It certainly possesses limitations. No model can replace the nurse-client relationship upon which knowledge and insight into the client's unique character and needs are based. However, utilizing a model as a foundation for learning and nursing practice can become the first step in determining successful client service. Using a psychosexual development model in concert with our overall view of human beings serves to strengthen our commitment to treating individuals as integrated wholes. "Human sexuality, that dimension of maleness and femaleness in one's personality, is expressed in every human act; it is inseparable from the maintenance of one's health" (Jacobson, 1974).