Due to an incomplete match between Neuman's definition of the core response and proposed examples, the core response has been interpreted as solely physiological in nature. As a result, the majority of Neuman systems model-based research has focused on either identification of stressors or the relations between stressors, the flexible line of defense, and normal line of defense invasion while the core response has been largely neglected. The purpose of this paper is to argue for a broader conceptualization of the core response as any and/or all of the person variables proposed by Neuman. The burnout process, which is both psychological and spiritual in nature, was developed as a core response exemplar.