NURS 8110: Theoretical and Scientific Foundations for Nursing Practice | Week 8

As noted throughout this course, nursing practice is unique, yet it also draws from the theoretical foundations of various disciplines.

In examining the foundations of nursing practice, it is important to consider the applicability and influence of bio-behavioral, pathophysiological, psychosocial, and environmental sciences theories. The focus of the course now shifts to an examination of interdisciplinary theories and the implications for nursing practice. This week you will investigate theories from the sociological and behavioral science.

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Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Integrate sociological and behavioral theories into advanced nursing practice

Photo Credit: [Attila Barabas]/[iStock/Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images

Learning Resources NURS 8110: Week 8: Nursing Interdisciplinary Theories and Models, Part I

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

McEwin, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical basis for nursing. (5th ed.) Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

• Chapter 13, “Theories From the Sociologic Sciences”
• Chapter 14, “Theories From the Behavioral Sciences”Chapter 13 and Chapter 14 discuss those theories from the social and behavioral sciences that are applicable to nursing and health care.

Carnegie, E., & Kiger, A. (2009). Being and doing politics: An outdated model or 21st century reality? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 65(9), 1976–1984. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2648.2009.05084.x

This article uses critical social theory to analyze the political role of nurses. The article argues that nurses must be prepared for political participation in national and local contexts in order to encourage policy analysis and community engagement within nursing practice.

Conrad, P., & Barker, K. (2010). The social construction of illness: Key Insights and policy implications. Journal of Health and Social Behavior: Special Issue, 51, S67–S79. doi: 10.1177/0022146510383495

This article examines the history of the social construction of illness and discusses different methods in which the concept of illness is developed in different cultures.

Ford, C. L., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2010). Critical race theory, race equity, and public health: Toward antiracism praxis. American Journal of Public Health, 100(S1), S30–S35. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.171058.

This article applies a theory from legal studies to racial inequality issues in health care in order to improve social consciousness and quality of care.

Kelly, C. (2008). Commitment to health theory. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 22(2), 148–160.

This article reviews the Commitment to Health (CTH) theory, the theory’s assumptions, and application to nursing and health care.

Ryan, P. (2009). Integrated theory of health behavior change: Background and intervention development. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 23(3), 161–170.

This article examines the application of health behavior theory to clinical practice.

Optional Resources

Byrd, M. (2006). Social exchange as a framework for client-nurse interaction during public health nursing maternal-child home visits. Public Health Nursing, 23(3), 271–276. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1446.2006.230310.x

Mohammed, S. (2006). Scientific inquiry. (Re)examining health disparities: critical social theory in pediatric nursing. Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing, 11(1), 68–71. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6155.2006.00045.x

Discussion: Use of Psychosocial Theories in Nursing

Post your responses to the Discussion based on the course requirements.

Your Discussion postings should be written in standard edited English and follow APA guidelines as closely as possible given the constraints of the online platform. Be sure to support your work with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and additional scholarly sources as appropriate. Refer to the Essential Guide to APA Style for Walden Students to ensure your in-text citations and reference list are correct. Initial postings must be 250–350 words (not including references).