Behavior management in the field of nursing: A concept analysis

This concept analysis is to clarify what behavior management in the field of nursing means, what attributes signify it, and what its antecedents and consequences are.

A variety of definitions of behavior management were identified in literature. This has resulted in a degree of confusion in the way behavior management is described.

The Walker and Avant concept analysis approach was applied. Literature searches were conducted using CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete, Communication and Mass Media Complete, Education Research Complete, PubMed Medline, Google Scholar and many online dictionaries, with timeline from January 2000 to November 2017.

The analysis demonstrates that the concept of behavior management in nursing field has two core attributes: (a) conscious actions to maintain and promote positive activities, and (b) training and assisting from the person who has knowledge and experience. Antecedents include poor general knowledge, lack of ability to control, and personality. Consequences include an improvement of quality and productivity and quality of life, reduction of mortality rate of diseases, and development of pro-social skills for the youth.

The analysis helps nurses to understand the concept and its application into clinical practice as well as to develop appropriate intervention plans for patients.