Which theorist proposed a theory focusing on the independence of the patient?

The theorist who proposed a theory focusing on the independence of the patient is Virginia Henderson. She emphasized the importance of patient independence as a fundamental component of nursing care. Her work highlighted the role of nurses in helping patients achieve self-sufficiency in meeting their own needs. Henderson defined nursing as assisting individuals in performing activities that contribute to health, recovery, or a peaceful death—activities that they would perform unaided if they had the strength, will, or knowledge.

Her theory is centered around 14 basic human needs, and she believed that by helping patients meet these needs independently, nurses empower them and promote their health and well-being. This approach reinforces the idea that nursing is not just about providing care, but also about enabling patients to take charge of their health and make informed decisions about their care process. Henderson’s contributions to nursing theory position the patient as an active participant in their own health management rather than a passive recipient of care.