Roy's adaptation model joins complex concepts about the client, environment, health situation, and goals of nursing. The model not only explains the concepts associated with the abuse of women, it facilitates the analysis of the biological and psychosocial dimensions of the abused woman. The use of the model with a sample of 40 abuse women focused on their help-seeking patterns. In long-term individual counseling, short-term crisis intervention, and support groups for abused women, the model facilitated the assessment and intervention. Based on the author's research and clinical data, one strength of the model was its provision of a framework for identifying the client's complex health needs. Under the model, however, it was conceptually and pragmatically impossible to separate the self-concept, role function, and interdependence modes. The author suggests model modifications such that the self-concept, role function, and interdependence modes more appropriately define the psychosocial self, and the physiological mode defines the biological self. Recommendations for research are offered. 6 figures, 10 references.