Middle range theory for the nursing phenomenon Ineffective social support network

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Social Network Theory

Background:

• Ineffective social support networks pose challenges in nursing care.
• Understanding the etiological factors is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a middle-range theory (MRT) explaining the causes and effects of ineffective social support networks in nursing.
• To enhance the conceptual and explicative capacity of nursing theory.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive study utilizing the Lopes, Silva, and Herdman theoretical-causal validity method.
• Theory construction involved defining concepts, creating a pictorial diagram, and establishing propositions and causal relationships.
• Integrated Sanicola's Social Network Theory with an integrative literature review.

Main Results:

• The developed MRT identifies etiological factors and clinical indicators for ineffective social support networks.
• A pictorial representation illustrates the hierarchical classification of etiological factors and their relation to clinical indicators.
• The theory connects personal, network, and external factors influencing social support.

Conclusions:

• The MRT provides an interpersonal perspective on individuals within social networks, impacting health outcomes.
• This theory advances nursing science and practice by offering a predictive model for ineffective social support networks.
• Findings support the identification and potential inclusion of the nursing diagnosis 'Ineffective social support network' in NANDA-I.