Selecting an ideal theoretical framework for ethnographic nursing studies

In the field of nursing, researchers often draw upon various theoretical frameworks to guide their ethnographic studies. This blog post will explore the essential considerations and guide the researchers in selecting an ideal theoretical framework that enhances the depth and relevance of their ethnographic nursing studies.

Here are some relevant theoretical perspectives commonly used in ethnographic research within nursing:

1. Caring Theory:

• Associated with Jean Watson (1985), this theory focuses on the importance of caring in nursing and emphasizes the humanistic aspects of nursing practice.
• Ethnographic studies in nursing may use this framework to explore how caring is enacted and experienced within specific cultural contexts.
• Used by researchers, exploring how expressions of care vary across different cultural contexts within nursing practice.
• The theory highlights the holistic nature of care, integrating the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of individuals. It encourages nurses to view care giving as an intentional and conscious act, promoting healing and well-being by acknowledging the interconnectedness of human experiences.
• This Theory places value on the subjective, lived experiences of both the nurse and the patient within the context of the care giving relationship.
• This theory emphasizes the importance of caring and interpersonal relationships in nursing.

2. Social Learning Theory:

• Proposed by Albert Bandura (1977), this theory emphasizes the role of observation and social interaction in the learning process.
• In nursing ethnography, this framework might be applied to study how healthcare practices are transmitted, learned, and adapted within a nursing community.
• Its key concepts include observational learning, imitation, and the influence of the social environment on behavior.
• The theory emphasizes the role of reinforcement, punishment, and modeling in shaping behavior.
• It suggests that individuals can acquire new behaviors and attitudes through the observation of others, leading to changes in their own actions. It is widely applied in understanding behavior change, including health-related behaviors, by considering the influence of social factors on learning and adaptation.
• This theory focuses on observational learning and the influence of the social environment on behavior.

3. Health Belief Model:

• Associated with the work of theorists such as Irwin Rosenstock, Godfrey Hochbaum and Stephen Kegels (1988), this model examines how individuals’ beliefs about health risks and benefits influence their health-related behaviors.
• Its key concepts include individuals’ perceptions of susceptibility to and severity of a health threat, the perceived benefits and barriers to taking health action, and cues to action.
• The model suggests that individuals are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors if they believe they are susceptible to a health problem, the problem is severe, the benefits of action outweigh the barriers, and external cues prompt the action.
• It highlights the psychological and social factors influencing health decision-making.
• Ethnographers in nursing might utilize this model to explore cultural variations in health beliefs and their impact on healthcare decision-making.

4. Transcultural Nursing Model:

• Rooted in the work of theorist Madeleine Leininger (1991), this theory emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in nursing care.
• Ethnographic studies using this model might investigate how cultural factors influence nursing practices, patient care, and healthcare outcomes.
• It underlines cultural aspects in nursing care, considering cultural influences on health.

5. Human Becoming Theory:

• Proposed by Theorist, Rosemarie Rizzo Parse (1998), this theory focuses on the unique experiences of individuals in the process of “becoming.”
• Its key concepts include viewing individuals as dynamic beings, continuously co-creating their own reality.
• The theory emphasizes the importance of understanding the meaning individuals ascribe to their experiences and the dynamic nature of health.
• It encourages nurses to engage with individuals in a way that respects their subjective experiences and supports their personal journey of becoming, acknowledging that each person is an active participant in their own evolving health and well-being.
• Ethnographic research in nursing may use this framework to explore the lived experiences of patients, families, and healthcare providers within specific cultural contexts.

6. Narrative Nursing Theory:

• Rooted in the work of theorist Rita Charon (2006), this theory emphasizes the significance of storytelling and narrative in nursing care.
• It centers on the significance of storytelling and narrative in healthcare.
• Its key concepts involve recognizing the power of patients’ and healthcare providers’ stories in shaping experiences of illness and care.
• This theory emphasizes the role of narrative in fostering empathy, understanding, and a more holistic approach to patient care. Practitioners are encouraged to listen attentively to patients’ narratives, recognizing the interplay of personal stories with healthcare practices to enhance the overall quality of patient care and provider-patient relationships.
• Ethnographers using this framework might explore the narratives of healthcare professionals, patients, and families to understand the cultural dimensions of illness and care-giving.

7. Feminist Nursing Theory:

• This theory, rooted in the work of several scholars and one notable contributor is Judy Wuest (1994) applies feminist perspectives to nursing, exploring issues of power, gender, and social justice within healthcare.
• Ethnographic studies using this framework may investigate how gender dynamics influence nursing practices, patient care, and healthcare outcomes.
• The key concepts of this Theory include an examination of power dynamics, gender roles, and social justice within the context of nursing and healthcare.
• This theoretical perspective emphasizes the importance of recognizing and challenging gender biases, advocating for equitable healthcare practices, and exploring the unique experiences and contributions of women within the nursing profession.
• It seeks to address issues of gender inequality, promoting a more inclusive and socially just approach to nursing care and healthcare systems.

When choosing a theoretical framework for an ethnographic study in nursing, researchers should consider the specific research questions, cultural context, and phenomena of interest. Integrating nursing theories into ethnographic research helps provide a rich understanding of the cultural dimensions of healthcare practices and experiences. These references provide foundational texts for understanding each theoretical framework and can serve as starting points for researchers interested in incorporating these perspectives into ethnographic studies in nursing.

References:

1. Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. General Learning Press.
2. Leininger, M. (1991). Culture Care Diversity and Universality: A Worldwide Nursing Theory. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
3. Parse, R. R. (1998). The Human Becoming School of Thought: A Perspective for Nurses and Other Health Professionals. Sage Publications.
4. Reverby, S. M., & Walker, L. O. (Eds.). (2008). Women’s Health: Readings on Social, Economic, and Political Issues. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
5. Rosenstock, I. M., Strecher, V. J., & Becker, M. H. (1988). Social Learning Theory and the Health Belief Model. Health Education Quarterly, 15(2), 175–183.
6. Watson, J. (1985). Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring. University Press of Colorado.
7. Wuest, J. (1994). A feminist approach to concept analysis. Western Journal of Nursing Research, 16(5), 577-586.