Sister Calista Roys Adaptation Theory Essay Example

Introduction Grand theories are often developed from conceptual models and are the most complex and large in scope of the levels of theory. Grand theories attempt to explain very broad issues within a discipline. They are composed of abstract concepts and usually lack operational definitions, their propositions are abstract and not easily amendable to testing. Grand theories are developed through the evaluation and appraisal of existing ideas, as opposed to empirical research, and often incorporates the concepts of other theories. Grand nursing theories serve to guide research as well as assist scholars in integrating the findings of other investigations and research in order to apply the knowledge gained to education, practice and administration (Wills, 2007). Grand theories also provide a base of philosophical reasoning in which to assist nurse scientists in developing an organized theory for research and/or practice, also referred to as a middle range theory (Wills, 2007). They share a common goal of providing understanding of key concepts and principals within a nursing perspective. The focus of this paper is on Sister Callista Roy’s grand theory of adaptation and her conceptual model: Roy’s Adaptation Model. The concepts, assumptions, and values she proposed will be explored. A reflection of Fawcett’s world views as they relate to Roy’s theory will be examined while also reflecting on the influence of logical positivism and Feminism. Finally, an evaluation of the human phenomenon of depression due to chronic heart failure as it would be viewed and addressed from Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Theory will be examined. Roy’s approach, being integrative and cumulative suggests knowledge is generated within a multidisciplinary perspective and not as opposite paradigms. Unity in diversity and the existence of universal truths, Roy’s two central ideas have major implications in the intermingling of knowledge gained through multiple perspectives.