Introduction
Theories can explain and help us understand complex phenomena, which in turn incentivizes the development of science and practice. Various approaches help expand research and find evidence for application in the workplace. This paper examines the levels of the theories, their specific research applications, and their influence on nursing practice. Although the types of theories differ significantly, they can all be of substantial benefit.
Nursing Theories of Different Levels
Theories in nursing serve as the foundation for research and practice. Depending on their peculiarities, theories are often categorized by their scope, and three types are distinguished: grand, middle-range, and practical or situation-specific theory (Roy, 2018). The types differ in their abstractness, specificity, concepts and propositions features, testability, and development sources (McEwen & Wills, 2023).
In particular, grand theories, as well as ideas in them, are more abstract and generalizable. Such theories offer a comprehensive view of various aspects, and their propositions are not always explicitly stated. They are not specific and challenging to test and develop for a long time through observations.
Theories that belong to other types and their characteristics are more concrete. The scope and application of the other two types of theories differ from the grand one. Middle-range theories are not so complex and abstract; their concepts are specific, and the propositions are clear. Moreover, these theories can be generalized to a limited number of disciplines and offer testable hypotheses. Practice theories are straightforward and focus on a specific aspect of reality, operationalizing this concept with a single concept and being tied to a particular field or population (McEwen & Wills, 2023).
Middle-range ideas develop from other grand and middle-range theories, guides, and research; situation-specific ideas are derived from practices and different-level theories (Roy, 2018). The approach chosen for the application depends on the goals the nurse is pursuing.
Grand Theories
Grand theories are readily applied in nursing research and practice, offering significant benefits to nurses. Callis (2020) uses this type of theory—the Roy Adaptation Model (RAM)—in research studying support programs for nurses. This investigation examines factors that can negatively affect nurses’ work and well-being. Then, the author examines how RAM can be utilized by a program to enhance nurses’ well-being (Callis, 2020).
Building on the theory’s proposition that environmental stimuli affect people and their adaptive behavior, the study examines the stimuli that affect nurses. It applies the concepts of processes and adaptive responses, which staff can use to improve the situation. The study also focuses on how the four adaptive modes proposed in the model can be applied to the nurses’ situation (Callis, 2020). Thus, the grand theory effectively evaluated a program supporting the nurses’ well-being.
Middle-Range Theories
Middle-range theories have a narrower focus compared to grand ones. They also have their subtypes and can be predictive, descriptive, explanatory, or prescriptive (Leandro et al., 2020). Butt (2020), in a study of the Family Center, employs a theory of the adapting family that was developed from RAM. Using Middle-range theory, the study considers the family as an adaptive entity, and its relationships play a crucial role in human life.
The program utilizes concepts of stimuli and copying processes to achieve outcomes of family growth and coherence (Butt, 2020). For example, the Center aims to support families through education, enabling them to learn about various influences and how to manage them, particularly during transitional periods such as childbirth or retirement (Butt, 2020). Since the theory seeks to identify causal relationships between the family and its impact on human well-being, it can be considered predictive. Thus, using this theory helped narrow the adaptation model for providing support services to families.
Theory Importance in Advanced Nursing Practice
Theories are an integral and influential part of the nursing activity. Since specialists should address training, administration, research, and practice issues, theories help to streamline and systematize these aspects (McEwen & Wills, 2023). Theories aim to identify causal relationships between different aspects of reality, explain complex phenomena, and enable consideration of them from various perspectives. They help make assumptions for research, generate hypotheses for validation, and, consequently, create guidance to manage the practice. In this way, theories advance the nursing discipline and contribute to its rapid development.
Understanding theories and their meaning is also required in advanced nursing practice. Specialists must learn to think conceptually and theoretically and apply this competence in practice (McEwen & Wills, 2023). Moreover, they can use the research results more effectively in evidence-based practice if the studies provided use a specific theoretical framework. For the author, theories and research are crucial in the role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, as they are necessary to interpret and apply research findings and contribute to the advancement of science through studies (Rice et al., 2019). Consequently, exploring and using theories are integral to advanced nursing activities.
Conclusion
Thus, nursing theories of various levels have a significant impact on research and practice. A level of abstractness, complexity, focus, and other characteristics distinguishes grand, middle-range, and situation-specific approaches. However, all of them are applied in research, contributing to the advancement of the nursing discipline. Theories help to understand and explain complex phenomena, pushing research inquiry and leading to new knowledge and improved practice. Advanced nurses should develop the ability to think theoretically and use research results effectively.
References
Butt, C. M. (2020). The middle-range theory of the adapting family: From theory to practice. Nursing Science Quarterly, 33(2), 136–142. Web.
Callis, A. M. (2020). Application of the Roy Adaptation Theory to a care program for nurses. Applied Nursing Research, 56, 1-6. Web.
Leandro, T. A., Nunes, M. M., Teixeira, I. X., Lopes, M. V. D. O., Araújo, T. L. D., Lima, F. E. T., & Silva, V. M. D. (2020). Development of middle-range theories in nursing. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 73, 1-7. Web.
McEwen, M., & Wills, W. (2023). Theoretical basis for nursing (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health
Rice, M. J., Stalling, J., & Monasterio, A. (2019). Psychiatric-mental health nursing: Data-driven policy platform for a psychiatric mental health care workforce. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 25(1), 27-37. Web.
Roy, C. (2018). Key issues in nursing theory: Developments, challenges, and future directions. Nursing Research, 67(2), 81-92. Web.