An Analysis and Evaluation of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Seung Eun; Vincent, Catherine; Finnegan, Lorna
• Is Part Of: Advances in nursing science. Volume 40:Number 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: framework -- nursing -- symptom -- theory; Nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; 362.173
• DOI: 10.1097/ANS.0000000000000141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-9268

Abstract

Abstract : The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms was developed to enhance understanding of relationships among multiple symptoms and symptom experiences. Although the theory has been used to guide research, no formal critique of the theory has been published since 2000. This article comprehensively analyzes and evaluates the theory using Fawcett and DeSanto-Madeya's framework. Although its semantic clarity, semantic and structural consistency, and parsimony could be improved, the theory demonstrates good social and theoretical significance, testability, and empirical and pragmatic adequacy. Understanding multiple patient symptoms is essential, and the theory demonstrates that nurses should focus on multiple rather than individual symptoms. Abstract : The Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms has been used to guide research, but no formal critique of the theory has been published since 2000. This paper comprehensively analyzes and evaluates the theory using Fawcett and DeSanto-Madeya's framework. Although its semantic clarity, semantic and structural consistency, and parsimony could be improved, the theory demonstrates good social and theoretical significance, testability, and empirical and pragmatic adequacy; the theory demonstrates that nurses should focus on multiple rather than individual symptoms. www.advancesinnursingscience.com