A concept analysis of personal transformation

Personal transformation, a multidimensional concept, is applicable to nursing practice, education, and research. Using a modified version of Walker and Avant's concept analysis model, personal transformation was analysed relative to Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness. By integrating common themes from definitions of several disciplines with Newman's theory, a definition of personal transformation was derived. Personal transformation is a dynamic, uniquely individualized process of expanding consciousness whereby individuals become critically aware of old and new self-views and choose to integrate these views into a new self-definition. A conceptual map depicts the defining attributes, antecedents and consequences of personal transformation. A model case illustrates the applicability of the concept to nursing education. Because the transformation process is revealed through individual patterns, qualitative research for further analysis of the concept is recommended.