Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality: An Overview With a Historical Retrospective and a View Toward the Future

Abstract

An historical overview of Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality also known as the Culture Care Theory (CCT) and evolution of the Sunrise Enabler are presented along with descriptions of the theory purpose, goal, tenets, basic assumptions, major core constructs, and orientational definitions. Recent articles, books, and book chapters provide relevant exemplars to enhance scholarly understanding and application of theory constructs. Proposed future directions encompass using the CCT to guide research of discovery and translational research projects for evidenced-based nursing practice; develop nursing courses and curricula to prepare culturally competent nurses; guide future culturally competent administrative and leadership policies and procedures; inform public policy related to cultural diversity and underserved populations; promote grant writing initiatives to enhance cultural diversity in hiring nursing staff, supervisors, and faculty; and promote admission of nursing students from underserved and/or diverse backgrounds.

The Effect of the Nursing Care Model Based on Culture to Improve the Care of Malnourished Madurese Children in Indonesia

“…Leininger stated that transcultural nursing could be used in three ways: it can (1) maintain a positive culture, (2) conduct negotiations or accommodate the culture if the culture does not conflict with health care, and (3) restructure the culture if the culture causes health problems [9], [10]. In the context of Madurese children with malnutrition, all three approaches are applicable.…”

“…These include breastfeeding babies and the prohibition on taking infants outside for 40 days after birth. Cultural care accommodation or negotiation also includes less than 2 years of breastfeeding, and regarding cultural care re-patterning or restructuring, feeding newborns with honey, formula and bananas and discarding the first milk [9].…”

Cultural Experiences, Patterns, and Practices of American Indian Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Ethnonursing Study

“…With slight modification to the role of general informant, the research team followed the principles of Leininger’s ethnonursing research method with the four phases of analysis for qualitative data. The ethnonursing research method is a direct application of the theory of culture care and translates the theory into organized research activities for investigating a specific domain of inquiry (Leininger, 1991, 1997; Leininger & McFarland, 2006; McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2015).…”

“…Leininger’s Observation-Participation-Reflection Enabler oriented the nonnative researchers to the reservation community through listening, observation, participation, and reflection (Leininger, 1991, 1997; Leininger & McFarland, 2006; McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2015). Following Leininger’s protocol, the researchers began prestudy procedures by visiting the reservation and observing the physical layout of the reservation including tribal offices, Indian Health Services, schools, local businesses, and worship facilities, as well as homes and living conditions.…”

“…Leininger’s theory of culture care diversity and universality informed the study procedures and subsequent qualitative analysis (Leininger, 1991, 1997; Leininger & McFarland, 2006; McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2015). Leininger recognized the importance of developing transcultural nursing knowledge for care of people from diverse cultures and provided guidance for examining cultural perspectives.…”