Basic Concepts,

Development and
Classification of
Theories
D R B L E S S Y P R A B H A VA L S A R A J
A S S O C I AT E P R O F E S S O R
M A N I PA L C O L L E G E O F N U R S I N G M A N I PA L ,
M A N I PA L U N I V E R S I T Y, M A N I PA L - 5 7 6 1 0 4 , K A R N ATA K A
Introduction
Overview

I. Basic concepts

II. Development

III. Classification
I Basic Concepts
of theories
What is a theory?
Latin “a viewing”

Greek “contemplating”

A body of knowledge shaped by how

nurses see the world.

Theory

A set of concepts, definitions,

relationships and assumptions

that project a systematic

view of a phenomena.
Uses/Purposes of nursing
theory

Contributes the body of knowledge

Guides research

Enhances communication

Guides and improve nursing practice

Helps to focus the goals

Characteristics of a theory

1. Systematic, logical and coherent.

2. Creative structuring of ideas or mental

images.

3. Tentative in nature.
Concepts

Building blocks
of theory
Concepts in Nursing Theories

Person

Environ
Nursing
ment

Health
Person or client

The
recipient of
nursing care
Environment

The internal
and external
surroundings
that affect the
client.
Health

The degree of
wellness or
wellbeing
that the client
experiences
Nursing

The attributes,
characteristics,
and actions of
the nurse
providing care
II Development of
theories
Theory development
1. Creating Conceptual meaning

2. Structuring and contextualizing theory

3. Generating and testing theoretic relationships

4. Deliberative application of theory

1. Creating Conceptual
meaning
Select a concept

Clarify purpose

Identify data sources

Explore contexts and values

Formulate criteria, meaning and problems

2. Structuring and
Contextualizing theory
Define concepts

Identify assumptions

Clarify context

Design relationship statements

3. Generating and testing
theoretic relationships

Empirically grounded emerging relationships

Explicate empiric indicators

Validate relationships
4. Deliberative application of
theory

Select the clinical

setting

Determine outcomes

Implement a formal
method of study
III Classification
of theories
Classification based on:

1. Scope

2. Purpose

3. Level

4. Function
 1. Based on scope

NARROW CONCRETE
Micro

Middle
range

BROAD ABSTRACT
Grand theories
A. Grand theories

 Most abstract and broad

 Consider phenomena of central concerns

 Framework to guide the selection of

concepts

 Eg. Roy’s adaptation model

B. Middle range theories

 Limited aspects of nursing phenomena

 More testable and generalizable

 Contains well defined concepts

 Eg. Pender’s Health promotion Model,

Peplaus theory
C. Narrow scope theories

 Specific concepts

 Readily measured

 Clearly defined

 Produce clear directives for application in

practice

 Eg: Theory on mouth care

2. Based on purpose

Prescriptive Descriptive
theory theory

Explanatory Predictive
theory theory
A. Prescriptive theories

 Description of a specific activity

 Analysis of the elements of the activity

 Prescription for reaching the goal

 Eg. Wiedenbach’ s theory of patient care

B. Descriptive theories

 Most basic type

 Delineate phenomena

 Speculate on why phenomena occur

 Describe the consequences of phenomena

 Eg: Developmental theories

C. Explanatory theories

 Specify relationship between concepts

 Explain reason and extent of relationship

 Generated and tested by means of

correlational research

 Eg. Watson’s theory of human caring

 D. Predictive theories

 Prediction of precise relationship between

concepts

 Explain how changes in phenomena occur

 Generated and tested by experimental

research

 Eg. Orlando’s theory of deliberative nursing process

3. Based on level
Level I: Factor isolating theory

Level II: Factor relating theory

Level III: Situation relating theory

Level IV: Situation producing theory

 4. Theories based on
function

Need Interaction Outcome Humanistic

Abdellah King Johnson Rogers

Henderson Orlando Levine Maslow

Orem Paplau Roy

Travelbee

Wiedenbach
To sum up…

 Concepts are the building block

 Development is a complex phenomenon

 Classified based on scope, purpose, levels

and functions.
 References
1. Alligood M R, Tomey A M. Nursing Theory: Utilization &Application .3rd ed. Missouri:
Elsevier Mosby Publications; 2010.

2. George GB. Nursing Theories The base for professional nursing practice.6th ed. India:
Dorling Kindersley; 2011.

3. Mariner TA, Raille AM. Nursing theorists and their work. 5th ed. St. Louis: Mosby;2005

4. Tomey AM, Alligood. MR. Nursing theorists and their work. (5th ed.). Mosby, Philadelphia,
2002

5. Parker ME. Nursing Theories and nursing practice.2nd ed. India: F A Davis Company;
2007.

6. Gopan A. Application of Roy’s adaptation model to develop a standard care plan for
patients with altered hemodynamic status. The Indian Journal of Nur and Midw. 2(3);
Sept 1999, 45-52.
Thank You !