Contributor – Marie Hastings-Tolsma, PhD, CNM, FACNM
Author – Marie Hastings-Tolsma
First published – 1992
Figure – NEED
Major Concepts
This work advances Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings – a nursing paradigm. A theory (Diversity of Human Field Pattern) was proposed to test the validity of the Rogerian proposition that individuals have the capacity to participate in the process of change. Additionally, the work sought to determine the validity of the construct of diversity of human field pattern with the Diversity of Human Field Pattern Scale developed to measure field pattern, however manifested. Acknowledgement of field pattern reveals the meaning given to pandimensional processes by the individual.
Typology
Middle-Range Theory derived from Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings
Description
The Diversity of Human Field Pattern (DHFP) theory was proposed to increase understanding of how the human field experiences change, as well as mobilize potentials for evolution. DHFP was envisioned as a relative process manifesting an overall persistent preference for how change unfolds. Where there are fluctuations in DHFP, there are differences in personal knowing participation related to engagement with other fields. A host of human-environmental experiences provide the matrix for an individual’s sense of oneness (Rogers, 1986). The flow of change is both unpredictable and pandimensional though short-term unpredictability can be appraised. It is the unpredictability of human-environmental process that is a hallmark of innovative and increasing field diversity (Rogers, 1992).
The Diversity of Human Field Pattern Scale (DHFPS) was subsequently developed to test the validity of the Rogerian proposition that individuals have the capacity to participate in the process of change. The DHFPS was developed in 1992. The scale is proposed to demonstrate the individual’s preference for engaging in change, despite fluctuations in the pandimensional human-environmental process. Where fluctuations are noted, they embody a personal participation in the process of connecting with other fields. The DHFPS captures the short-term unpredictability or diversity of the field engagement experience. Acknowledgement of field pattern, however manifested, reveals the meaning given to human-environmental process by the individual.
Primary Sources
Hastings-Tolsma, M. (1992, Feb 15). The relationship of diversity of human field pattern to risk-taking and time experience: An investigation of Rogers’ Principles of Homeodynamics. New York University. Dissertation Abstracts International # 9237755.
Hastings-Tolsma, M. (1997). Measurement in Rogerian science: A review of selected instruments. In M. Madrid (Ed.), Patterns of Rogerian knowing (pp. 91-93). New York: National League for Nursing.
Hastings-Tolsma, M. (2006). Toward a theory of diversity of human field pattern. Visions: The Journal of Rogerian Nursing Science, 14(2), 34-47. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60442c60133ffa41758d58f3/t/60abdac1a3cdad64824475fd/1621875400989/Visions-Volume14.pdf.
Author
Marie Hastings-Tolsma, PhD, CNM, FACNM is a Professor and nurse-midwifery scientist at Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (Dallas TX) where she conducts research, teaches in the graduate program. and provides full-scope midwifery care at Holy Family BIrth Services (Weslaco TX). A U.S. Fulbright Faculty Scholar, Dr. Hastings-Tolsma spent 2012-13 in South Africa, teaching and conducting research with colleagues at the University of Johannesburg where she continues collaboration and was a Visiting Professor from 2013-2025. She developed the Theory of Human Field Diversity based on Rogers’ SUHBs – part of her work included development and testing of the Diversity of Human Field Pattern Scale. She is currently examining manifestations of the individual’s experience of change as part of elective induction of human labor, as well as manifestations during parturition where novel interactions are used (eg, Rubus idaeus) and the resulting microbiome and metabolome fingerprint. Dr Hastings-Tolsma has published widely on theory-based interventions and maternal-infant health.