Theories is knowledge that is used for practice. Theories is knowledge that is used for practice.

While process is the method to apply theory. Theory is While process is the method to apply theory. Theory is

the contents , process is the way of using that content, the contents , process is the way of using that content,

Theory contains concepts that are related is such a way Theory contains concepts that are related is such a way

as to describe explain , or predict events, While process as to describe explain , or predict events, While process

is the method of thinking about theory.is the method of thinking about theory.

Definition of Theory:Definition of Theory:

(i) Theories are invented to assist in describing, (i) Theories are invented to assist in describing,

explaining, predicting and understanding phenomena of explaining, predicting and understanding phenomena of

concern. In relation to research theory helps us to concern. In relation to research theory helps us to

interpret scientific findings. In a meaningful and general interpret scientific findings. In a meaningful and general

sable way [ Moody 1990].sable way [ Moody 1990].

(ii) Theory is a systematic abstraction of reality that serves that (ii) Theory is a systematic abstraction of reality that serves that some purpose. [ Chinn and kramer 1991]some purpose. [ Chinn and kramer 1991]

(iii) Purpose of Theory:(iii) Purpose of Theory:(a) Scientific findings meaningful and generalized.(a) Scientific findings meaningful and generalized.

(b) Efficient mechanizes for drawing together and (b) Efficient mechanizes for drawing together and summarizing accumulated facts from separate isolated summarizing accumulated facts from separate isolated investigations. investigations.

(c) Theories help stimulate research and the extension (c) Theories help stimulate research and the extension of knowledge by providing both direction and impetus.of knowledge by providing both direction and impetus.

(d) Theories provide a method of classifying and (d) Theories provide a method of classifying and organizing data in a logical and meaningful manner.organizing data in a logical and meaningful manner.

(iv) Levels of Theory:(iv) Levels of Theory:In the preceding discussion the basic from of a theory In the preceding discussion the basic from of a theory

has been described as a means of starting relationships has been described as a means of starting relationships between concepts the theory may be commonly described are between concepts the theory may be commonly described are

. .

(A) MICRO THEORIES(A) MICRO THEORIES

(B) MIDDLE RANGE THEORIES(B) MIDDLE RANGE THEORIES

(C) GRAND THEORIES(C) GRAND THEORIES

(D) PARADIGMS AND META THEORY(D) PARADIGMS AND META THEORY

MICRO THEORIES :MICRO THEORIES :

Micro theories are described by Knek (1989) as the least complex Micro theories are described by Knek (1989) as the least complex

[theories] . They contain the least complex concepts and refer to [theories] . They contain the least complex concepts and refer to

scientific, easily defined phenomena. They are narrow in scope because scientific, easily defined phenomena. They are narrow in scope because

they attempts to explain a small aspect of reality. They are primarily they attempts to explain a small aspect of reality. They are primarily

composed of enumerative or associative concepts.composed of enumerative or associative concepts.

MIDDLE RANGE THEORIES:MIDDLE RANGE THEORIES:

Middle range theories are theories at the next level of complexity Middle range theories are theories at the next level of complexity

[ Marrina – Tomey 1989] Moody [1990] cities Merton’s [1968] definition [ Marrina – Tomey 1989] Moody [1990] cities Merton’s [1968] definition

of middle range theories as those that examine a portion of reality and of middle range theories as those that examine a portion of reality and

identify a few key variables. identify a few key variables.

Moody(1990) comments that middle – range theories are often Moody(1990) comments that middle – range theories are often developed by qualitative or ethnographic studies in which data is developed by qualitative or ethnographic studies in which data is colleted about an area of practice or experience Variables are colleted about an area of practice or experience Variables are concepts are identified in the data and suggestions [ propositions or concepts are identified in the data and suggestions [ propositions or hypotheses] are then made about the relation ship between the hypotheses] are then made about the relation ship between the different variables. different variables.

(Iv) Meta Theory :(Iv) Meta Theory :Which is the analysis of theory or theorizing about theory in a Which is the analysis of theory or theorizing about theory in a

discipline [Moody, 1990]discipline [Moody, 1990] Meta –analysis is a method made families in midwifery practice through Meta –analysis is a method made families in midwifery practice through the work of Enkin [1991] who, with their colleagues have brought together the work of Enkin [1991] who, with their colleagues have brought together a huge amount of research in areas pregnancy and child birth. a huge amount of research in areas pregnancy and child birth.

(iii) Grand Theory :(iii) Grand Theory :Grand theories are the most complex and broadest in scope. They Grand theories are the most complex and broadest in scope. They

attempt to explain areas in a discipline . They are composed of summative attempt to explain areas in a discipline . They are composed of summative concepts and incorporate narrow range theories [ Kneck 1989]concepts and incorporate narrow range theories [ Kneck 1989]

TYPES OF THEORY:TYPES OF THEORY:Four types of theory have been described by Dickoff and James Four types of theory have been described by Dickoff and James

(1992). Two philosophers who have worked closely with nurses fro many (1992). Two philosophers who have worked closely with nurses fro many years, in their classic paper, written in 1968. Theories may either years, in their classic paper, written in 1968. Theories may either describe , explain , predict produces or shape realty moody (1990) describe , explain , predict produces or shape realty moody (1990) summarizes these four levels of theory. summarizes these four levels of theory.

(i) Factors – Isolating theories(i) Factors – Isolating theories(ii) Factor – relating theories(ii) Factor – relating theories(iii) Situation – relating theories(iii) Situation – relating theories(iv) Situation – Producing theories(iv) Situation – Producing theories

Factor – Isolating Theories:Factor – Isolating Theories:Observing, describing and naming concepts the first level of Observing, describing and naming concepts the first level of

theory identifiers and describe or names concepts. Dickeff etal.(1992a) theory identifiers and describe or names concepts. Dickeff etal.(1992a) describe this as naming theory and point out that, if concepts have not describe this as naming theory and point out that, if concepts have not been named.been named.Further levels of theory developed are impossible. Much of midwifery Further levels of theory developed are impossible. Much of midwifery and nursing research in descriptive and aimed at this first level of and nursing research in descriptive and aimed at this first level of theory. theory.

(ii) Factor - relating theories :(ii) Factor - relating theories :Factor – relating theories relating named concepts to one Factor – relating theories relating named concepts to one

another this theories suggest interrelationship between concepts another this theories suggest interrelationship between concepts such theories are often the outcome of qualitative research in which such theories are often the outcome of qualitative research in which factor have been named and then relationship between them factor have been named and then relationship between them suggested. suggested.

(iii) Situation – relating theories:(iii) Situation – relating theories:Inter- relationship among concept or propositions, this Inter- relationship among concept or propositions, this

theories are the third level of theory and are predictive theories . theories are the third level of theory and are predictive theories . Theories predict that if one factor or variable is altered there will be Theories predict that if one factor or variable is altered there will be an change in one or more other variables. an change in one or more other variables.

(iv) Situation – producing theorizes :(iv) Situation – producing theorizes :Prescribing activities necessary to reach defined goals Prescribing activities necessary to reach defined goals

also known as prescriptive theories) the fourth level of theory is described also known as prescriptive theories) the fourth level of theory is described as situation – producing theory and is aimed at bringing about change. as situation – producing theory and is aimed at bringing about change.

Human Being:She emphasized that human or individual possesses unique

potential, strives towards self direction and needy stimulation , whatever the individual does, represent his or her best judgment at the moment. Self –awareness and self- confidence & acceptance are essential to individuals are sense of integrity and self- worth . These circumstances require respect from the nurse.

Health :She does not define health, however she supports the WHO’s

definition of health. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social , spiritual well being and not merely an absence of distance or infirmity by world health organization (1948) .

Environmental :Incorporating the environments within the realities – a major

component of her theory . One element of the realities in frame work which is a complex of extraneous factor and circumstances, that are present in every nursing situation . Framework includes objects such as policies , setting atmosphere , time of day , human and happenings.

Nursing:Nursing, a clinical discipline , is a practice discipline designed to

produce explicit desired results. The art of nursing is goal directed activity requiring application of knowledge and skill towards meeting a need for helps experienced by a patient nursing process that extends or restores the patients ability to cope with demands implicit in the situation .

Theory :Ramona T. Mercer . Theories of Antepartum Stress and Maternal

Role Attainment :

Mecer is the only theorist whose work has been exclusively concerned with understanding the process of child bearing who is included in a collection considering the work of the major theorist in nursing (Marrines – Theory , 1989)

Been and oetting (1989) provide a description of mercer’s distinguished academic career which has spanned over 30 years.

During that time her work has been focused on theory building, research and practice applications of research findings in the field of maternity care.

Her work has been greatly influenced by Pubin, who was the profffessor in maternity nursing at the university where mercer obtained her doctoral degree.

By 1998 Mercer had published four books over 55 articles book chapters and reports a body of work which in itself shows that there has been considerable theory development by nurse – midwives in the case of the child bearing family.

In addition, Mercer has been responsible for the development of a range of measurement tools for use in research which have been widely, used by often researches.

Mercer has also been concerned to apply findings of her research and theory build to practice.

This concern with the utilization of the is shown in the discussion of implication nursing intervention in, first-time Motherhood Mercer (1986) and in articles such as ‘The Nurse and Maternal tasks of the Early Post Partum [mecer11981].

For example , in this articles , Mercer comments on the tasks that the women has to undertake in the early postnatal days and indicates that these tasks. Encompass for more than “bonding” to her infant [ Mercer , 1981] one of the tasks that has been identified theoretically and confirmed through research observation is the task of integrating the labor and birth experiences.,

Another interesting feature of “ Mercer’s Work which is noted by beer and oetting (1989) and applies also to many of these nurse theorists is that it has been utilized by a large number of graduate students who were supervised by Mercer.

Such a programmed of on going research provides further evidence of the ability of the theory or provides information which can be lead to modification of a theory.

Through all her work, Mercer demonstrates the integration of deductive theory building from the literature and other theory with inductive theory building from observation in practice.

Her work is concerned with the testing of the models collection of data to test the relationship suggested by the evidence on work models are based.

Mercer has undertaken theory building and research in two main areas (i) the effect of antepartum stress on the family and (ii) Attainment of the maternal Role.

THE EFFECT OF ANTEPARTUM STRESS ON THE FAMILY

1. In British literature on antenatal care there is a concern to provide support during pregnancy to reduce the effect of poor social circumstances , lack of social support and self- esteem among women . (Chalmess .et.al.1981)

2. Mercer’s research is concerned with or number of other measures of the effect of antenatal stress relating to the functioning of the family unit.

3. Mercer and her colleagues have been seeking to understand the effects of antenatal stress on family functioning , as a whole , on functioning of pairs of individuals in a family and health status.

4. Mercer et.al (1986) Identify six variables from research and other literature which are related to health status , dyadic relationships and family functioning.

(i)Antepartum Stress(ii) Self Support(iii) Sense of Mastery(iv) Anxiety(vi) Depression

(i) Antepartum Stress:Antepartum stress is described as resulting from a combination of

negative life- events and the level of risk associated with the pregnancy.Antepartum Stress is defined as a complication of

pregnancy or at risk condition. [ Pregnancy and negatively perceived life events ( Mercer et.al 1986)

(ii) Social SupportThe amount of help actually received satisfaction with that help,

and the persons [ network] providing that help.

(iii) Self Esteem :An individuals perception of how others view one and self –

acceptance of the perception .

(iv) Sense of Mastery :The sense of mastery as a mediator and moderator inn the

associan between economic had ship & health in late life.

(v) Anxiety :Anxiety is a multi system response to a perceived threat or

danger.

(vi) Depression :Having a group of depressive symptoms , and in particular the

affective component of the depressed mood.

Stress from negative life – events and pregnancy risk were predicated to have direct negative effects on self- esteem and health status.

Self esteem , health status , and social support were predicated to have direct negative effects on anxiety and depression which in have direct negative effects on family functioning.

Hypotheses:(i) High- risk women experiencing antenatal hospitalization and

their partners will report less optimal family functioning than how- risk women and their partners.

(ii) Expectant partners will report similar levels of family functioning.

The study findings supported the first hypothesis but did not support the second hypothesis to the partners of the low- risk women.

Using statistical tests, the researchers are able to show the different predictive values of the different variables for work in nthe low- risk group and the high- risk group.

This enabled the researchers to redraw their model of the effect of antepartum stress on family functioning.

Two different models emerge from the data. One which demonstrates the relationship of the variables in the case of the low- risk women and the other which does the same for the high risk women.

These models may now be further tested and modified

This information derived from testing a model regarding the variables which are of particular importance in predicting the experience of an tenatal stress and the effects of that in practice in determining , may be utilized in practice in determining priority areas for active by mid wives.

MATERNAL ROLE ATTAINMENT:

• Maternal role attainment is an interact ional and developmental process occurring over a period of time , during which the mother competence in attached to her infant , acquires competence in the caretaking tasks involved in the role and express pleasure and gratification in the role.

• The expression of a role by an individual will also be affected by their past experiences and view of themselves ( Mercer 1981 b ,1986; Punninjtion and Glazer , 1991) Mercer (1981) describes the theoretical base of her research in role acquisition theory , which identifies four stages to role acquisition.

(i) Anticipatory(ii) Formal(iii) Informal(iv) Personal Stages

(i) Anticipatory :The anticipatory stage is the period, prior to

incumbency when an individual beings social and psychological adjustment to the role by learning the expectations of the role

(ii) Formal Stage : The formal stage beings with actual incumbency during

which role behaviors are largely guided by formal , consensual expectations of others in the individuals social system

(iii) Informal Stage : The informal stage begins as the individual develops

unique ways of dealing with the role that are not conveyed by the social system.

(iv) Personal Stage :During the final, of personal stage of role acquisition an

individual imposes an individual style on the role performer and others largely accept the enactment.

Social adjustment has occurred through role modification , and psychological adjustment has resulted in the individuals feeling a congruence of self and role.

Mercers theoretical model indicates that the majority of the role- taking activities occur after the birth of the child, and that attainment of the maternal role may occur between three and ten months after the birth

Mercer has identified eleven independent variables which influence the attainment of the maternal role ( the dependent variable) and a number of confounding variables.

Mercer has undertaken extensive research describing the relationship between these variables and attainment of the role. These variables can be grouped info maternal infant and other confounding variables. Maternal Variables:

1. Maternal age of first birth2. Perceptions of the birth experience3. Early maternal – Infant separation4. Social Stress5. Social support6. Self- Concept7. Personality traits8. Child- rearing attitudes9. Maternal health status

Infant Variables :(i) Temperament(ii) Infant Health

Other \ Confounding Variables :(i) Ethnic basic ground(ii) Marital Status(iii) Socio Economic Status

Each of the above variables is discussed by Mercer (1981, 1986) and the theorized base and research evidence for each variable are presented , taking social support as an example , Mercer refer to research with identifies four types of support , Emotional , Information physical and applied which she defines as follows.

Emotional Support : Emotional support is defined as feeling loved, cared for, trusted

and understood.

Informal Support :Informational support helps the individual to help herself by

providing information that is useful in dealing with the problem and for situation.

Physical Support : Physical support is a direct type of help such as baby- sitting ,

lending money.

Apprasial Support : Apprasial support is information that fells the role – takes how

she is performing in the role. It enables the individual to evaluate herself in relationship to other performance in the role

Mercer (1986) goes on to describe research evidence of the existence and need for different types of support in pregnancy Post nasally by fathers and in general

The influence of these variables has been investigated by Mercer in a longitudinal study of 242 women aged 15 to 42 year (Mercer 1986)

The main aim of this research was to identify whether age had any effect on attainment of the Maternal role.

The findings from this study are extensive and are presented in relation to three age groups of women.

Aged 15-19Aged 20-24Aged 30-42

• One of the main conclusions that is reached is that materal age was not or predictor of maternal role attainment when, rule, educational level and marital status were controlled.

• The younger mothers were, however , handicapped by their low incomes and poor self- concept but mercer makes the point that almost half of the women in this age –group dropped out of the study.

•Relationship were found between age and other variable measured which indicates that age is an important variable in any model constructed to understand the attainment of the maternal role.

•The findings include a large amount of statistical information and also extensive excerpts from the interviews with the women during the first year.

• Mercer (1986) uses the data to present a model of adaptations to the maternal role in the first year which combines four phase of adaptation at three levels

The Four phases described are.

(i) Physical recovery phase(ii) Achievement Phase(iii) Disruption Phase(iv) Reorganization Phase

(ii) Physical Recovery Phase:From Birth to 1 month

(ii) Achievement Phase :From 2 to 4 or 5 Months

(iii) Disruption Phase :From 6 to 8 months.

(iv) Reorganization PhaseThat begins after the eighth and is in process at 12

months.

((