Intentionality: applications within selected theories of nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Theory
• Philosophy of Science

Background:

• Intentionality is crucial for nursing practice and theory development.
• A reactive worldview limits the study of intentionality.
• Lewis proposes an active worldview for studying intentionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present Lewis' five-level model for studying intentionality.
• To compare Lewis' model with Newman's nursing theory paradigms.
• To demonstrate the application of the model in nursing theory.

Main Methods:

• Level-by-level outline of Lewis' five-level model.
• Comparison using Newman's nursing theory paradigms.
• Illustrative examples from established nursing theories.

Main Results:

• Lewis' five levels: necessity, interactive necessity, action intent, divergent intent, and conscious intent.
• Newman's paradigms provide a framework for comparing intentionality models.
• The model is applicable across diverse nursing theories.

Conclusions:

• Lewis' model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding intentionality in nursing.
• The model guides nursing practice and research by nurse theorists.
• Integrating intentionality enhances the theoretical underpinnings of nursing.