A semantic differential for external comparison of conceptual nursing models

Area of Science:

• Nursing Theory
• Conceptual Models in Nursing

Background:

• Nursing practice relies on theoretical frameworks.
• Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of nursing models is crucial for theory development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a tool for evaluating prominent nursing conceptual models.
• To assess the King, Orem, Rogers, Roy, and Wiedenbach models using the developed tool.

Main Methods:

• A semantic differential tool was created using scales from nursing theory literature.
• 78 master's degree students rated five conceptual nursing models (King, Orem, Rogers, Roy, Wiedenbach).
• Factor analysis was employed to identify underlying dimensions of the models.

Main Results:

• The semantic differential tool demonstrated reliability in differentiating between nursing models.
• Six key factors (sophistication-dynamism, clarity-usefulness, focus, utility, scope, scientific rigor) emerged, explaining 49-56% of model variance.
• All rating scales loaded onto at least one factor for each model, indicating comprehensive evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The developed semantic differential tool is effective for evaluating nursing conceptual models.
• The study provides empirical data on the characteristics of major nursing theories.
• Further refinement of the evaluation tool is ongoing.