Topic: Borrowed theories

Order Description Nursing makes use of theories from other disciplines (a.k.a., borrowed theories). How does using borrowed theory support the development of nursing theory? FYI: Theories From Social Sciences Theories from social sciences are integral to the discipline of nursing. Nurses in virtually all settings caring for vast groups of patients routinely use concepts and principles from social theories (McEwen & Wills, 2010). Sociologic theories are rich and substantively diverse. Because of this richness and diversity, their theory perspectives are relevant to the discipline of nursing. Social forces have a strong impact on wellness and health of individuals. Developing a sociological perspective in caring for patients is not always comfortable because it calls for confronting and questioning existing assumptions regarding social arrangements (Parker & Smith, 2010). The knowledge gained can benefit not only patients but healthcare and professional nurses, as well. Feminist Theory Gender differences and subordination have traditionally been viewed as inevitable, but some believe that gender is socially constructed and tends to justify the subordination and exploitation of women. This perspective has been determined to be too simplistic. In the 1960s, new views of feminism were presented. Feminist theory has been defined as an analysis of women’s perspectives and subordination within the family and other institutional settings (McEwen & Wills, 2010). Feminist theories have been frequently cited in nursing literature. Florence Nightingale wrote on gender roles with views on education, self-assessment, and self-development. In more contemporary writings, various views of feminism have included the relations to cultural diversity and nursing advocacy. Nursing research has been conducted using the feminist theory in performing qualitative studies and gaining an understanding of women’s perspectives (McEwen & Wills, 2010). Critical Social Theory Critical social theory uses societal awareness to expose social inequalities that keep people from reaching their full potential. It is derived from the belief that social meanings structure life through social domination. Proponents of critical social theory maintain that social exchanges not distorted by power imbalances will stimulate the evolution of more social justice (Parker & Smith, 2010). Furthermore, social critical theory assumes that truth is socially determined. Nursing research has been conducted using the critical social theory in understanding the perception of nursing as a female-dominated profession. For example, views of inequality that keep the profession of nursing from reaching its fullest potential (i.e., recognition and pay) (McEwen & Wills, 2010). Theories From Behavioral Sciences The behavioral science theories attempt to explain an individual’s behavior in terms related to the development of the self that is formed by adulthood. There are five families of theories that try to explain human behavior. Each theory emphasizes a different concept or viewpoint, but no one theory best explains the complexity of human behavior (McEwen & Wills, 2010). The behavioral theorists believe that behavior is learned by reinforcement; whereas, cognitive theorists believe that reinforcement are related to an individual’s thought patterns. Humanistic theories propose that individuals will have within themselves the capacity to change. The potential for healthy and creative growth occurs throughout an individual’s life span; thus, the behavior of an individual is a dynamic process. The stress-adaption theories are associated with behaviors identified with the way a person adapts to stress through individual coping mechanisms. The social-psychology theory looks at how a person changes and ways to incorporate those changes through the promotion of health. The following table provides brief comparisons of the five families of behavioral theories (Parker & Smith, 2010).