Borrowed Theories in Nursing
Borrowed theories in nursing refer to ideas and concepts from other disciplines that are applied to nursing to enhance understanding, research, and practice. Here are some examples of borrowed theories commonly used in nursing:
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Borrowed from psychology, this theory outlines a hierarchical structure of human needs, from physiological conditions to self-actualization. Nurses use it to prioritize patient care and meet basic needs before addressing higher-level needs.
- Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development: Also borrowed from psychology, this theory describes the stages of psychosocial development throughout the lifespan. Nurses apply it to understand patients’ developmental challenges and tailor interventions accordingly.
- Health Belief Model: Adapted from social psychology, this model explores how individuals perceive health threats and make decisions about preventive actions. Nurses use it to understand patients’ health behaviors and develop targeted interventions.
- Social Learning Theory: Borrowed from psychology, this theory emphasizes the role of observation and modelling in learning behavior. Nurses use it to promote patient education and behaviour change through positive reinforcement.
- Systems Theory: Borrowed from systems science, this theory views healthcare as a complex system with interconnected parts. Nurses apply it to understand patient interactions, healthcare providers, and the environment.
- Diffusion of Innovations: Adapted from communication studies, this theory examines how new ideas and innovations spread within a community. Nurses use it to facilitate the adoption of new healthcare practices and technologies.
- Cultural Care Theory: Borrowed from anthropology, this theory, developed by Madeleine Leininger, focuses on providing culturally competent care. Nurses use it to consider patients’ cultural beliefs and practices in their care plans.
- Transactional Model of Stress and Coping: Adapted from psychology, this model explains how individuals respond to and cope with stressors. Nurses apply it to assess patients’ stress levels and provide appropriate support.
- Attachment Theory: Borrowed from psychology, this theory explores the impact of early relationships on emotional development. Nurses use it to understand patients’ attachment styles and provide sensitive, patient-centred care.
- Self-Determination Theory: Adapted from psychology, this theory focuses on individuals’ intrinsic motivations and self-regulation. Nurses apply it to support patients’ autonomy and engagement in healthcare decisions.
- Humanistic Nursing Theory: Borrowed from humanistic psychology, this theory emphasizes the importance of holistic and individualized care. Nurses use it to prioritize patients’ emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being.
- Change Management Theories: Borrowed from organizational management, these theories (such as Lewin’s Change Management Model) help nurses facilitate and manage changes in healthcare settings for improved patient outcomes.
- Empowerment Theories: Adapted from social work and psychology, these theories (such as Freire’s Empowerment Theory) guide nurses in empowering patients to take control of their health and make informed decisions.
- Communication Models: Borrowed from communication studies, models like the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) help nurses enhance effective communication among healthcare team members.
These borrowed theories enrich nursing practice by providing frameworks and insights from diverse disciplines, enhancing nurses’ ability to provide patient-centred, evidence-based care.