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Tami Frazier 

RE: Discussion - Week 3

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NURS 6052 – Essentials of Evidence-Based Practice

Week 3 Initial Discussion Post

The Role of Theoretical Frameworks in Research

Research is a process of evaluating a concept or theory concerning a specific subject. Analysis of a theory includes examining the behaviors and characteristics of people and how they interact with biological, interpersonal, and environmental factors (Polit & Beck, 2017).  Every theory attempts to explain phenomena and how they are related to a specific purpose.  Valid research uses a theory or model as the building blocks. Nursing theory relies on models to define what nursing is and the processes involved in providing care (Polit & Beck, 2017).  In this post, I will examine a research example that has adopted different theories and models to design, implement, and evaluate health promotion efforts (Joseph, Daniel, Thind, Benitez, & Pekmezi, 2016).

Research Review

Finding research related to nursing theories and models was an easy task.  Many fundamental nursing policies and procedures are founded on either a theory or a model.  For this paper review, I chose the transtheoretical model which states that “transition from one stage of change to the next are affected by processes of change” (Polit & Beck, 2017, p. 124).  The research paper was focused on reviewing numerous theories used to assess long-term maintenance of physical activity, weight loss, and smoking cessation (Joseph et al., 2016). Within this research, the authors referenced five prominent behavioral theories which are self-determination theory, the theory of planned behavior, social cognitive theory, transtheoretical model, and the social ecological model (Joseph et al., 2016).  The paper excluded studies that referenced cognitive behavioral therapy used for intervention.  PubMed and PsycINFO were used with relevant search terms and Boolean operators.  Each article was then reviewed by three different reviewers.

Transtheoretical Model

In this article, the transtheoretical model (TTM) was used to define and recognize behavioral change through natural processes.  The total number of participants was 20,645 with over 65% of participants being female with a mean age of 49.9 years (Joseph et al., 2016).  TTM is a combination of behavior change theories and psychotherapy (Joseph et al., 2016).  TTM presumes people move through the five stages of behavioral change which are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance in a cyclical manner instead of a linear route (Joseph et al., 2016).  Often participants in the study found themselves making progress with physical activity, weight loss, and smoking cessation only to regress creating a cycle of one step ahead and two steps back(Joseph et al., 2016).  Relapse is a common occurrence with TTM for new patients and long-term patients.  Maintaining the stage of change can be challenging due to intrinsic and extrinsic involvements.  Understanding and changing behavior are required to walk through the process.  Within the stages of change, the individual weighs the pros and cons of surrendering certain behaviors in relation to the outcome.  “If the benefits of engaging in the new behavior are perceived to progressively outweigh the cons of the behavior true change can occur” (Joseph et al., 2016, p. 359).  The TTM model was just one of the theories tested in relation to weight loss, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation.

Furthermore, nursing theory or models provide a framework for research to formulate questions and proven hypothesis.  Often researchers use more than one theory to produce hypothesis to study (Polit & Beck, 2017).  It is essential to test the theory to assess whether it fits the components of the intended study.  Through testing, the researcher can prove if the hypothesis is obtainable with the information given.  Significant value is placed within the nursing community on the use of theory or model-based research.  With well-designed theory building blocks, nurses can evaluate the research for its validity and usefulness in everyday clinical practice.

References

Joseph, R., Daniel, C., Thind, H., Benitez, T., & Pekmezi, D. (2016). Applying Psychological Theories to Promote Long-Term Maintenance of Health Behaviors. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 10(6), 356-368. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1559827614554594

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

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