Introduction
Psychology explains various stages of life and activities that bring fulfillment. Erikson’s theory focuses on psychosocial development and argues that a person who has mastered themselves has strong ego integrity during old age (van der Kaap-Deeder et al., 2020). Conversely, individuals with poor ego integrity feel inadequate later in life. This paper explores strategies involved in fostering ego integrity among the elderly. The study’s objective is achieved by reviewing Sun-Young and Chang’s (2020) article on the ego integrity of residents of nursing homes.
Review
Qualitative research design utilized for the study
The study utilized a hybrid model involving a theoretical phase and a fieldwork phase. The theoretical stage collected data from the literature reviews, whereas fieldwork included in-depth interviews with eight nurses recruited from six nursing homes.
The validity and credibility of the results
Validity evaluates the extent to which research answers the study question and the application of outcomes to a broader population (Findley et al., 2021). The research by Young and Chang (2020) is valid and credible because it explores older adults’ experiences and strategies nurses adopt to enhance ego integrity. The interventions discussed in the paper can be applied to other older adults.
The participants chosen for the study
The first phase involved conducting a literature search from electronic databases for articles published between 1963 and 2018, where 57 studies were identified for review. The selection criterion for participants included experts working in nursing homes with more than three years of experience since 2008. The participants were volunteers with professional experience working with older adults in the selected nursing homes.
The accuracy and completeness of data
The researchers personally collected interviews based on the planned theoretical assessment and intervention areas. The participants’ interview was audiotaped for future reference, transcribed, coded, and reviewed verbatim (Young & Chang, 2020), thus enhancing accuracy and completeness. The experts read each transcript carefully and severally to identify and classify the categories of research questions.
The plausibility of the results
The results are plausible as the study does not indicate internal validity threats that often affect the reliability and trustworthiness of a research (Findley et al., 2018). The research was feasible, and the study results can be generalized to other areas.
The implications of the research
The research explicitly stated that ego-integrity management is crucial for nursing home practice and caring for the elderly. The study offered interventions that positively enhance ego integrity.
Increasing sensitivity to others’ needs
New insights concerning ego-integrity management may help increase feelings of adequacy among older adults.
Enhancing situational competence
Understanding what causes low ego integrity and appropriate interventions will help improve older people’s experiences and nurses’ performance in handling residents.
The effect on the reader
The study informs the reader about the interventions necessary to enhance ego integrity for the elderly.
The plausibility of the results
The results obtained from the research are believable as they combine years of research collected through literature review and fieldwork from nursing homes. The participants involved in the study were qualified volunteers, meaning the data collected was relevant and accurate.
The way the reader is imaginatively drawn to the experience
Throughout the paper, the study describes the measures taken during the literature search and data collection from the interviews to the analytic phase. The description draws the reader’s imagination to how the researcher actively conducted the interviews by taping and transcribing verbatim to enhance accuracy.
The results of the study
The results were grouped into two; approaches for assessment and intervention taken by nurses to manage the ego integrity of nursing home elderly. The key findings include how elderly patients fulfill their basic needs, initiate and maintain friendships, and establish a healthy self-view. Nine interventions were proposed to help improve self-fulfillment and satisfaction and utilize their strengths for personal benefit.
The fitness of the research to the purpose of the study
The study applied a hybrid qualitative research design to explore the literature about ego integrity among the elderly in nursing homes. Secondly, the researchers interviewed nurses to understand their role in enhancing ego integrity and the approaches they take to assess and interventions helping the older adults under their care. Therefore, the method suits the purpose of the study as it helped identify the required results.
The identification of the study approach
The researcher begins the study by exploring existing literature on ego integrity among elderly patients in nursing homes, clinics, and other institutions. The information acquired from the literature allows the researcher to build on this knowledge to fill the gap by conducting interviews with nurses experienced in caring for older adults.
The data collection and analysis techniques
The data collected using interviews and from secondary sources supplement each other, enhancing the reliability of the study. The researchers adopted a thematic analytical approach, which is effective in qualitative studies as it enabled them to group emerging issues into themes provided in the results section.
The significance of the study
The study describes the role nurses should play in nursing homes to assess and manage ego integrity among elderly patients. The study identified possible measures nursing homes could undertake to manage ego integrity issues among older adults.
The literature support for the study
First, the researchers adopted the definition adopted by existing literature for ego integrity from the patient’s perspective. However, from a nursing point of view, no existing research has attempted to define ego integrity. Therefore, the systematic literature assessment allowed the researchers to identify interventions in that residents do not fear death but lead a fulfilled life. The adopted definition allowed the researchers to achieve the study’s purpose.
The study’s potential contribution
The key and ultimate contribution of the study is the development and implementation of interventions for residents of nursing homes by identifying positive aspects of ego integrity management.
The clearness of the sampling
The research first identified the research purpose and the gaps, followed by a theoretical phase where search terms helped gather desired articles dealing with ego integrity. The inclusion-exclusion criterion allowed the researchers to narrow down relevant articles, suitable nursing homes, and participants to collect data. The defined parameters enabled the researchers only to ask interview questions that answered the needs of the study.
The control of selection of the sample
The inclusion-exclusion criterion proposed by the researcher meant that not just anybody could participate in the study. Further, only volunteers and qualified nurses working in selected nursing homes could participate in the research.
The sample size and composition
The selected secondary sources had been narrowed down to those with ego integrity management among nursing home residents. Only nurses dealing with the elderly were selected for interviews, which suits study needs.
The identification of the phenomenon
The study first tried to understand why the elderly might feel unfulfilled and the strategies nurses adopt to restore self-confidence and satisfaction among older adults.
The clearness of the data collection procedures
The data collection procedures are clear, and any other researcher could use the described process to collect and analyze information. The researchers provided the chart for the literature search, which was effective as it offered a straightforward procedure.
The sources and means of verifying data
The secondary sources are cited and referenced in the study, making it easier to verify if needed. Primary sources included nurses from select nursing resident homes in Seoul and three other provinces of South Korea.
The researcher’s roles and activities
The researchers personally conducted the interviews (Sun-Young & Chang, 2020). They sought approval from the institutional review board and identified nursing facilities, explaining the study’s purpose to participants.
The description of data analysis procedures
Yes, the study explains how interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed.
The way the analysis guides directions of sampling when it ends
The study did not apply the principle of saturation that helps guide the direction of sampling when it ends.
The description of data management processes
The researchers described how interviews would be tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were read several times to identify themes.
The reported results (descriptive or interpretation)
The results are described as the study summarizes the findings by grouping them into emerging categories/themes.
The presentation of specific findings
The specific findings addressed in the study include the interpersonal relationships between the elderly, how they lead a harmonious life, self-satisfaction, fulfillment of basic needs, and self-reliance through the utilization of functional capabilities.
The data meanings derived from data described in context
The results were derived from the interviews and literature sources.
The way the writing promotes understanding
The authors used clear and easy-to-understand language without complex jargon. The study findings are discussed, and the conclusion ties together the implications and purpose of the research.
The helpfulness of the results in care for patients
The results provide interventions necessary to manage ego integrity among elderly patients in nursing homes.
The relevance of the results to persons in similar situations
The results can be used by other nurses to care for older adults experiencing ego integrity crises.
The relevance of the results to patient values
The results describe possible interventions for patients to enhance interpersonal relations, view of life, and satisfaction.
The application of the results to clinical practice
The results could help nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions develop and implement strategies for managing the ego integrity of elderly residents. The findings help professionals, especially nurses care for older adults by adopting the proposed interventions that positively enhance ego integrity.
Conclusion
This review assessed how a hybrid model is applied in a study focusing on nurses’ role play in enhancing ego integrity amongst residents in nursing homes. The data collected from secondary and primary sources helped identify necessary tools, assessments, and interventions nurses could use to reinforce ego integrity positively. The findings indicate nurses play a crucial part in managing ego integrity, meaning the study was relevant and valid as it meets its needs.
References
Findley, M. G., Kikuta, K., & Denly, M. (2021). External validity. Annual Review of Political Science, 24, 365-393. Web.
Sun-Young, L. I. M., & Chang, S. O. (2020). The Conceptual Structure of the Management by Nurses of the Ego Integrity of Residents of Nursing Homes. The Journal of Nursing Research, 28(6), e123. Web.
van der Kaap-Deeder, J., Vermote, B., Waterschoot, J., Soenens, B., Morbée, S., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2021). The role of ego integrity and despair in older adults’ well-being during the covid-19 crisis: The mediating role of need-based experiences. European Journal of Ageing, 1-13. Web.