Fox - Concept Analysis Paper1

Concept of Stress Utilizing the Walker-Avant Method of Analysis

Jill Fox BSN, RN

Duquesne Univeristy

GPNG 523 Historical Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice

Ruth E. Irwin, PhD, RN

January 27, 2020

Concept of Stress Utilizing the Walker-Avant Method of Analysis

Introduction

Concept analysis is a procedure that researchers utilize in order to understand different

occurrences. It divides a concept into logical parts and enhances comprehension of a concept

within a theory. The concept selected for this paper is stress. Walker and Avant (2011) simplified

the procedure into a process with 8 different steps that are utilized as an effective model in

carrying out concept analysis.

Literature Review

Stress is a non-specific response of the human body to a certain situation, which can be

either positive or negative (McVicar, 2003). The concept of stress is deemed to arise when the

demand on a person is greater than the resources that individual must manage the demand.

(McEwen, 2019)

Strategy of the Method Selected

The Walker and Avant strategy selected is an eight step model that comprises of: (1)

selecting a concept; (2) ascertaining the purpose of the analysis; (3) pinpointing all uses of the

concept; (4) determining the defining attribute of the concept; (5) identifying a model case; (6)

pinpointing a borderline case and associated, contrary, invented, and illegitimate cases; (7)

finding antecedents and consequences of the concept; and (8) defining empirical references

(Walker and Avant, 2011).

Model Case

A model case is delineated as an example of the utilization of the concept that shows all

the delineating attributes of the concept. (Walker, 2011) For example, Greg arrives at work to

find that a report is due by noon or else he will lose his job. Greg already has 15 major reports
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that are all due for submission by noon. Greg knows that this is impossible for him to complete.

His wife is also ill, and he needs the income for hospital bills. Greg begins experiencing a

headache, becomes sweaty, and has a difficult time breathing. The stimuli causing stress is the

threat of being fired from his job. Greg is unable to solve his problem. As a result, he starts

experiencing physical symptoms of tremors, shortness of breath, and sweating.

Borderline Case

A borderline case considers an instance whereby many of the defining attributes of the

concept being examined are included. (McEwen, 2019) For example, Steve rides his bicycle to

the main road, disobeying his parents’ rules. During his bicycle ride he crashes and breaks his

arm. Steve feels guilty for disobeying his parents. The stimuli bringing about stress is a broken

arm and feeling guilty for disobeying his parents. He is experiencing the psychological response

of guilt and the physiological response of pain. Only two of the defining attributes are met in

this situation. Steve does not go through the process of assessment.

Associated Case

This is an instance of concepts that are linked to the concept being examined that do not

comprise of the delineating attributes. (McEwen, 2019) For example, an elderly lady is refusing

to eat and has not gotten out of bed today. She sees the breakfast was left for her at the bedside.

She turns away and refuses to eat. This case portrays the related concept of depression. There is

not a specific stimulus designated in the case. Martha assesses her need and accessibility to a

meal but chooses to remain in her bed regardless of her accessibility to resources. Physical

symptoms experienced include decreased appetite and fatigue.

Contrary Case
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Walker and Avant indicate that contrary cases are proper examples of “not the concept.”

(McEwen, 2019) For example, Heather is on a beach vacation getaway and is relaxing at the

beach while listening to the sounds of the ocean. She has worked exceedingly hard at her job

and contemplates her success. She is entirely relaxed during her vacation. In this case, there is

no stimuli to bring about stress. The lack of a stimulus eradicates the need for appraisal.

Invented Case

Invented cases consist of ideas that are external to our individual experiences and portray

an image of the critical defining attributes. (Walker, 2011) For example, a thousand years from

now, the water supply on earth is dwindling. A mother realizes that their remaining water supply

is low. She realizes that if something is not done, she and her family will die. She gets a

migraine and begins to sweat. In this case, the stimulus is insufficient water. The physical

symptoms from stress include a migraine and sweating.

Antecedents and Consequences

Antecedents are events that must take place before the occurrence of the concept. (Walker

and Avant, 2011) It is imperative to note that for stress to take place, a person must be in a stable

frame of mind prior. They ought to have the mental capacity to identify the stimuli that are

bringing about stress. In this case the consequences are events that take place due to the concept.

The consequence of stress considers a state of disequilibrium that is different from the preceding

stable state.

Empirical Referent

Empirical referents are actual phenomena that show the manifestation of the concept

itself (Walker & Avant, 2011). Empirical referents are largely linked to the defining attributes of
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a concept. A life changing event bringing about stress is an empirical referent. The second

empirical referent is the meaning behind the event.

Conclusion

The goal of this concept analysis is to carry out an examination of stress. The literature

review conducted demonstrates dissimilar delineations and uses of stress. The different cases

based on the Walker and Avant method are outlined that demonstrate the application of the

delineating attributes. This concept analysis is beneficial in comprehending the concept of stress

and is a beneficial stage in carrying out research studies on the subject matter in the future.

 
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References

Cohen-Mansfield, J. (1995). Assessment of disruptive behavior/agitation in the elderly: function,

methods, and difficulties. Journal of geriatric psychiatry and neurology.

McEwen, M. W. (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing: 5th Edition. Wolters Kluwer Health

McVicar, A. (2003). Workplace stress in nursing: a literature review. Journal of advanced

nursing, 44(6), 633-642.

Walker, L. A. (2011). Strategies for Theory Construction in Nursing. Pearson.