Properties of Situation-Specific Theories and Neo-pragmatism

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss whether the properties of existing situation-specific theories are congruent with the philosophical stance of neo-pragmatism. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo with keywords of "situation-specific theory" and "nursing." Fifteen situation-specific theories were included in the analysis. The properties of existing situation-specific theories included "high specificity and low level of abstraction," "context understanding," "direct linkages to research and practice," and "reflecting diversities and complexities with limited generalizability." Finally, the findings are discussed in terms of their linkages to the major tenets of neo-pragmatism.

Transition to the Role of Family Caregiver of Older Adults After a Stroke: A Specific Theory

“…The SST developed from the integrating approach proposed by Afaf Meleis and Im (27)(28)(29) resorts to two reasoning strands, as it combines and associates different data sources. These sources can be an already existing SST, previous research studies or perceptions suggested by the practice.…”

“…Currently, MRTs are a key model for developing Situation-Specific Theories (SSTs) with certain theoretical, methodological and empirical subtraction levels and which favor both practice and research (26), as they coherently describe various concepts related to the naturalness of the phenomena at a present moment, in addition to providing a logical explanation for the relationship, interaction and prediction of results among the concepts (27).…”

“…In other words, SSTs are characterized as being less abstract and complex, which eases their verification and application in real-life situations. These theories allow an orderly and systematized articulation of the elements generated from the theorization processes; they also incorporate specific diversities and complexities of each situation and ease the transformation of the knowledge generated through theorizations that guide the essential actions using research concepts and constructs (27).…”

“…Meleis and Im's methodological proposal offers an integrating and fluid approach that reflects health care professionals' everyday practice, addressing the difficulty of transforming theoretical concepts into practical and applicable knowledge and allowing for a better adaptation to the individual needs and evidence-based good quality care in the Nursing field. Likewise, one of the characteristics of SSTs is that they do not intend to be universal, as they are dynamic and variable over time (27). Considering these premises, the objective of the current paper was to develop an SST proposal about the transition to the role of FC of OAs after a stroke, based on the integrating approach proposed by Afaf Meleis and Im.…”

Disciplinary Perspectives Linked to Middle Range Theory

“…Practice theories specify guidelines for nursing practice; in fact, the authors state that the word "theory" may be dropped to better conceptualize this level as "nursing practices" (p. 12) or what can be considered practice traditions. Situation-specific theory (Im, 2021) may be conceptualized as related to this level of theorizing, with high specificity with direct relationship to practice. Both grand theories and middle range theories have practice traditions associated with them.…”