Overview of Grand Nursing Theories Flashcards
global in their application to the
discipline of nursing and have been instrumental in helping to develop nursing science. Because of their
diversity, their complexity, and their differing worldviews,
learning about grand nursing theories can be confusing.
grand theories
What are the characteristics of grand nursing theories?
o Composed of relatively abstract concepts
o Developed through thoughtful appraisal
of existing ideas
o May incorporate other theories
Have helped develop the discipline
Grand Nursing Theory
True or False
Some believe need for grand theories is outdated.
True
Provide a background of philosophical reasoning
Grand Nursing Theory
Many nursing theorists are still writing, updating
their work based on changes in the health care
system and society.
Grand Nursing Theory
❖The number of grand nursing theories leads to confusion.
❖Many have coined their own terms also leading to confusion.
Grand nursing theories
What are the three main groups?
o Human needs theories (particulate–deterministic)
o Interactive theories (integrative, reciprocal)
o Unitary process theories (unitary, simultaneity)
Also termed “particulate–deterministic”
Human Needs theory
it is based on the positivist view of science
Human Needs Theories
What are the positivist views
o Stress quantitative research methods
o Humans are viewed a reducible (sum of parts).
o Change is linear and causal.
Humans are biopsychosocial-spiritual beings.
human needs theories
Humans react to their environment in a causal way.
human needs theories
Change is predictable as humans survive and adapt.
human needs theories
Earliest theorists drew from the empirical (positivist)
worldview focusing on meeting needs.
human needs theories
Early theories were developed to distinguish nursing from
medicine.
human needs theories
In needs-based theories, clients are sum of their parts.
human needs theories
Cause of the problem can be identified, measured, and
treated.
human needs theories
Also termed integrative or reciprocal
Interactive Nursing Theories
❖Postpositive worldview (not strictly positivistic)
o Recognize that reality is multidimensional and
contextual
o Objectivity and subjectivity are desirable.
Interactive Nursing Theories
Humans are holistic beings.
Interactive Nursing Theories
Humans interact reciprocally with their environment.
Interactive Nursing Theories
came after the needs-based theories.
Interactive Nursing Theories
Theorists frequently use systems theory to describe
interaction between client/person and environment.
Interactive Nursing Theories
Also termed unitary or simultaneity theories
Unitary Process Theories
Views humans as unitary beings
Unitary Process Theories
Humans are self-evolving and self-regulating
Unitary Process Theories
Humans are in constant and simultaneous interaction
with a universal energy system.
Unitary Process Theories
Humans are known by patterns of energy and
distinctions from others.
Unitary Process Theories
Change is unidirectional and unpredictable
Unitary Process Theories
