TYPES OF NURSING THEORIES

The general purpose of a theory is vital because it specifies the context in which the theory
applies. For example, theories about pain focuses mainly on pain: its causes, effects and
alleviation measures.

Theories have different purposes and are classified according to:

i. The levels of abstraction

ii. The goals of the theory

According to the levels of abstraction, there are two types of theories;

a) Grand theories: A grand theory does not provide guidance for specific nursing
interventions, but rather provide the structural framework for broad, abstract ideas
about nursing. They are systematic and brad in scope, hence require further
specification through research. An example of the grand theory is the Neumann’s
systems model. This theory provides a comprehensive foundation for scientific nursing
practice, education and research.
a) Middle- range theories: these theories are less abstract and more limited in scope. They
address specific phenomenon and reflect on nursing practice, which entails;
administration, clinical and teaching practices, rather than reflecting on a wide variety of
nursing care situation. An example of a middle range theory is the Michel’s theory of
uncertainity in illness. It focuses on patients experiences with cancer while living with in
continual uncertainity.Such a theory enable the nurses to understand how patients cope
with uncertainity and the illness response.

According to goals of a theory, there are also two types of theories:

a) Descriptive theories: They describe phenomena, speculate on why they occur and then
describe their consequences. This type of theories aid to: Explain, relate and in some
cases predict nursing phenomena. An example of descriptive theory is The theories of
growth and development, which describe the maturation process of an individual at
various ages.
b) Prescriptive theories: These are the theories that address nursing intervention for a
phenomenon, describe the conditions under which the prescription occurs and predict
the consequences of the phenomenon.ie. They describe, prescribe and predict nursing
phenomena.Theories under this category are action oriented and test the validity of of
any nursing intervention, and also guide nursing research. An example of such theories
is The Mishel”s theory o uncertainity of the cancer diagnosis and treatment. This theory
provides a framework to design interventions that support and strengthen patients