Understanding Nursing Theory Concepts: Essential Frameworks and Models

1. 7 Theory and Nursing Research

2. Learning Objectives • Define Theory, Concept, Construct, Proposition, Empirical Generalization, Model, And Conceptual Models • Discuss Four Nursing Conceptual Models • Distinguish Between Theoretical And Conceptual Frameworks

3. Learning Objectives Describe Deductive And Inductive Reasoning Processes In Theory Generation And Development Identify Theories Used In Nursing Identify The Steps Used In Testing A Theory Critique The Study Framework Section Of Research Reports

4. Learning Objective OneDefine Theory, Concept, Construct, Proposition, Empirical Generalization, Model, And Conceptual Models

5. Theory Terminology • Many different definitions • Understanding versus memorization • No absolute or correct definition for terms

6. Theory • Set of defined concepts and propositions • Presents systematic view of a phenomenon • Helps describe, explain, or predict • Always subjective, subject to revision • Propositional statements

7. Concept • Building blocks of a theory • Word picture of phenomenon • Symbolizes aspect of reality • Concrete or abstract

8. Construct • Made-up term • Very complex phenomenon • Cannot be directly observed • Must be inferred by more concrete indicators

9. Proposition • Shows relationship between concepts • Derived from theories or generalizations of empirical data

10. Empirical Generalizations • Summarize results of several empirical studies • Statements tested repeatedly and not disproved

11. Model • Symbolic representation of phenomena • Use of likeness to represent some aspect of reality • Pictorial, diagrammatic, structural, or mathematical • Focuses on structure and composition

12. Conceptual Models • Show relationship between concepts • Generally abstract and not easily observable

13. Learning Objective TwoDiscuss Four Nursing Conceptual Models

14. Orem’s Self-Care Model • Dorothea Orem, early 1950s • Concepts • Self-care • Self-care agency • Self-care demand • Self-care deficit • Nursing agency • Nursing system

15. Orem’s Self-Care Model (cont’d) • Theories derived from model • Theory of nursing systems • Theory of self-care deficit • Theory of self-care

16. Rogers’s Science ofUnitary Human Beings • Martha Rogers, 1970 • Humans and environment as energy fields • Each human field is unique. • Constant change, increasing complexity and diversity • Person is “a unified whole.”

17. Roy’s Adaptation Model (RAM) • Callista Roy, 1970 • Person as a total being • Humans are biopsychosocial beings. • Constant interaction with environment • Humans are adaptive systems.

18. Roy’s Adaptation Model (RAM) (cont’d) • Four responsive modes • Physiological • Self-concept • Role function • Interdependence

19. Neuman’s System Model • Betty Neuman, 1972 • Focus on total person • Environmental stressors • Intrapersonal • Interpersonal • Extrapersonal

20. Neuman’s System Model Client system variables Physiological Psychological Sociocultural Developmental Spiritual Flexible line of defense

21. Neuman’s System Model (cont’d) • Nursing intervention • Primary prevention • Secondary prevention • Tertiary prevention • Nursing process steps • Nursing diagnosis • Nursing goals • Nursing outcomes

22. Learning Objective ThreeDistinguish Between Theoretical And Conceptual Frameworks

23. Theoretical Framework • Broad general explanation • Shows relationships between concepts • Based on one existing theory

24. Conceptual Framework • Develops when no existing theory fits • Helps explain relationship between concepts • Based on more than one theory • Concepts related in logical manner • Less well-developed structure • May result in another theory

25. Learning Objective FourDescribe Deductive And Inductive Reasoning Processes InTheory Generation And Development

26. Theory Generation and Development • Goes hand in hand • Uses deductive reasoning • Uses inductive reasoning

27. Deductive Reasoning • Moves from general to specific • Process • Theory • Hypothesis • Empirical testing

28. Inductive Reasoning • Moves from specific to general • Process • Empirical data • Empirical generalizations • Propositional statements • Theory

29. Learning Objective FiveIdentify Theories Used In Nursing

30. Grand Theories • Address broad range of phenomena • Serve as a guiding light • Not easily applied to nursing practice • More difficult to understand

31. Middle-Range Theories • Have more narrow focus • Address only small part of environment • Easier to use and apply to nursing practice • Mostly from other disciplines • Examples for clarification

32. Nursing Research—The Debate • What is the “debate”? • Nursing research not based on theory • Nursing research based on theory

33. Examples of Nursing Theories • Benner (1984): novice to expert • Cox (1982): IMCHB • King (1981): goal attainment • Mishel (1981, 1990): uncertainty in illness • Peplau (1988): interpersonal • Pender (1996): health promotion • Watson (2005): human caring

34. Nursing As a Practice Discipline • Knowledge borrowed • Other disciplines • Knowledge shared • Adaptation key

35. A Combination of Theories • Best of both worlds • Nursing theory • Other disciplines • More than one theory

36. Learning Objective SixIdentify The Steps Used In Testing A Theory

37. Theory Testing inNursing Research • Review the literature • Select a theory that fits • Use a theory that works • Describes the relationship • Explains the relationship

38. Step-By-Step Approach • Review theories that examine the problem • Select theory to be tested • Review the literature • Develop study hypotheses and research questions • Define study variables • Choose study tools that are congruent • Describe findings using theory

39. Step-By-Step Approach (cont’d) • Relate study conclusions to theory • Determine support for theory based on findings • Determine implications for nursing practice • Make recommendations for future research

40. Learning Objective SevenCritique The Study Framework Section Of Research Reports

41. The Study Framework • Theoretical framework • Conceptual framework • Where to find it? • Section with own heading • Introductory section • Literature section

42. The Appropriateness of the Theory • Read the entire report • Is the theory appropriate? • What other theory could be used? • Check for concepts and relationships • Note operational definitions in study

43. Guidelines for Critiquing the Report • Is the framework clearly identified? • Is the framework based on a theory? • Does the framework appear to be appropriate? • Are the concepts clearly defined? • Are the relationships among the concepts clearly presented?

44. Guidelines for Critiquing the Report (cont’d) • Are the propositional statements that guide the question or hypothesis identified? • Are operational definitions provided for the theoretical concepts to be tested? • Are the findings related back to the framework? • Do the findings provide support for the framework?