Page 527 - alligood 8th edition_Neat

508 UNIT IV Nursing Theories

nurses to discuss interrelationships among holistic grounded in observable reality. The theory has oper-
nursing practice, theory, research, and education. ationally defined concepts, identifiable subconcepts,
Many of the research data related to the theory are and clearly defined and denotative definitions. The
yet to be published. Erickson stated, “Every part of major concepts, Modeling and Role-Modeling, are
it [the theory] needs further development . . . There reality-based, making them empirical. Definitions
are a thousand research questions in that book . . . You are clearly articulated, making it possible to test the
can take any one statement we make and ask a concepts. The theorists have provided an outline
research question about it . . . Modeling and Role- for collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing data
Modeling has only begun” (H. Erickson, personal and guidelines for implementing the theory. These
communication, November 1984). explicit guidelines increase empirical precision, allow-
ing any practitioner to test the theory using these
Critique tools.
Midrange theories are identified, supported, and
Clarity substantiated. Data obtained through critical analy-
Erickson, Tomlin, and Swain present their theory ses and testing provides evidence for and validation
clearly. Definitions in the theory are denotative, of the theory. Modeling and Role-Modeling Theory
with the concepts explicitly defined. They use every- gains greater empirical precision with new and
day language and offer many examples to illustrate ongoing studies. The need for practicing nurses to
their meaning. Their definitions and assumptions continue research with the theory is recognized and
are consistent, and there is a logical progression welcomed.
from assumptions to assertions.
Importance
Simplicity One of the challenges facing the profession of nursing
The theory appears simple at first. However, on is the development of its unique, scientific knowledge
closer inspection, its complexity appears. It is based base and the use of nursing theory as a basis for pro-
on biological and psychological theories and on fessional practice. The Modeling and Role-Modeling
several of the theorists’ own assumptions. The inter- Theory contributes to steady progress toward this goal.
actions among the major concepts, assumptions, Although relatively young, the theory has gained
and assertions add depth to the theory and increase recognition in the nursing community. Interest has
its complexity. grown, and research supporting its theoretical state-
ments has been generated. Numerous nurses have
Generality engaged in research based on this theory. Publications
The Modeling and Role-Modeling Theory is general- of findings lend more and more credence to the
izable to all aspects and most settings of professional theoretical propositions.
nursing practice. Major assumptions that deal with Chinn and Kramer (2011) propose that the impor-
developmental tasks, basic needs satisfaction, object tance of a theory is relative to how it addresses nurs-
attachment and loss, and adaptive potential are broad ing practice, education, and administration goals.
enough to be applicable in diverse nursing situations. Modeling and Role-Modeling Theory guides research,
Numerous examples of the applicability of the theory directs practice, and generates new ideas, thus this
and their concepts in the educational, clinical prac- theory possesses inherent value and importance for
tice, and research settings have been cited. It could be the discipline of nursing (Alligood, 2011).
argued that the theory lacks applicability in nonverbal
or comatose patients, however the theory could be
applied in these situations by creative clinicians. Summary
Nurses have the opportunity to share in important,
Accessibility intimate life experiences with clients. We have the
Accessibility refers to the testability, application of a ability and responsibility to facilitate healing and
theory, and the extent that defined concepts are achievement of clients’ perceived maximal state of