Beck's Theory of Postpartum Depression
Beck's Theory of postpartum depression
Theory is an attempt to explain the world around us. It is defined as a set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that projects a view of phenomena by designating specific interrelationships among concepts for purposes of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena. In the world of healthcare the nurse through the understanding of theories attempt to explain why nurses do what they do. Nursing theories are the creative products of nurses who seek to thoughtfully describe relationships and interactions that exist within nursing practice (Ingram, 2009).
Nursing theorist Cheryl Tatano Beck (1949- present) developed a middle-rang theory that focused on postpartum depression (PPD). Beck identified a significant gap in maternal care specifically in regard to maternal blues, she wrote: “What has not been given equal priority in postpartum follow-up care, however, is the mother’s psychological status, more specifically, the phenomenon of maternity blues. Early discharge mothers are at home when the blues usually occurs during the first week after delivery. Specific assessment for maternity blues should routinely be part of the nurse’s assessment of these mothers during home visits” (Lasiuk & Ferguson, 2005, p. 131).
Beck, after reviewing research on the topic of maternity blues began clarifying the differences among the concepts of postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, and maternity blues (Lasiuk & Ferguson, 2005, p. 131). This paper seeks to explore Beck’s theory of postpartum depression, its significance in nursing practice, and how it addresses the concepts of the metaparadigm of nursing; person (man), health, environment and nursing.
Importance of Nursing Theory
All nursing theory should lead to enhance nursing practice. Through theory, knowledge is gained and enhances the empowering of nurses; it aids in deliberate action and provides rationale when challenged, and provides professional autonomy by
Theory is an attempt to explain the world around us. It is defined as a set of concepts, definitions, and propositions that projects a view of phenomena by designating specific interrelationships among concepts for purposes of describing, explaining and predicting phenomena. In the world of healthcare the nurse through the understanding of theories attempt to explain why nurses do what they do. Nursing theories are the creative products of nurses who seek to thoughtfully describe relationships and interactions that exist within nursing practice (Ingram, 2009).
Nursing theorist Cheryl Tatano Beck (1949- present) developed a middle-rang theory that focused on postpartum depression (PPD). Beck identified a significant gap in maternal care specifically in regard to maternal blues, she wrote: “What has not been given equal priority in postpartum follow-up care, however, is the mother’s psychological status, more specifically, the phenomenon of maternity blues. Early discharge mothers are at home when the blues usually occurs during the first week after delivery. Specific assessment for maternity blues should routinely be part of the nurse’s assessment of these mothers during home visits” (Lasiuk & Ferguson, 2005, p. 131).
Beck, after reviewing research on the topic of maternity blues began clarifying the differences among the concepts of postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression, and maternity blues (Lasiuk & Ferguson, 2005, p. 131). This paper seeks to explore Beck’s theory of postpartum depression, its significance in nursing practice, and how it addresses the concepts of the metaparadigm of nursing; person (man), health, environment and nursing.
Importance of Nursing Theory
All nursing theory should lead to enhance nursing practice. Through theory, knowledge is gained and enhances the empowering of nurses; it aids in deliberate action and provides rationale when challenged, and provides professional autonomy by
References: Alligood, M., & Tomey, A. (2006). Nursing theorists and their work. St. Louis, MI: Mosby. Beck, C. T. (2012). Exemplar: Teetering on the edge: A second grounded theory modification. In P. L. Munhall (Ed.), Nursing research: A qualitative perspective (5th ed. (pp. 257-284). Miami, Fl.: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Retrieved from: C.T. Beck via email. Cox, J., & Holden, J. (2007). Perinatal mental health: A guide to the Edinburgh depression scale. London, United Kingdom: Gaskell. Ingram, R. (2009). Why does nursing need theory? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16. Lasiuk, G. C., & Ferguson, L. M. (2005). From practice to midrange theory and back again: Beck’s theory of postpartum depression. Advances in Nursing Science, 28, 127-136.