Discovering constructivist grounded theory's fit and relevance to researching contemporary mental health nursing practice

Abstract

Objective This paper explores the Constructivist Grounded Theory research methodology informed by Charmaz (2006). Comparisons are drawn between the Constructivist Grounded Theory position and the ethical principles of Deontology, Utilitarian, Virtue ethics and fidelity that inform contemporary mental health nursing practice. Conclusions are made between the relative fit of the interpretivist nature of constructivism and contemporary mental health nursing practice. The aim of the paper is to describe the synthesis that exists between Constructivist Grounded Theory as a research methodology and its consistency with contemporary mental health nursing practice. Primary argument Constructivist Grounded Theory as a research methodology is an appropriate and consistent approach to use when researching in the area of contemporary mental health nursing practice. Conclusion This paper explores the origins of Constructivist Grounded Theory and the theoretical underpinnings of symbolic interactionism and constructivism. Comparisons are drawn between the ethical principles that inform contemporary mental health nursing practice and relative fit between the interpretivist nature of constructivism and the contemporary nature of mental health nursing practice. Concluding that Constructivist Grounded theory as a research methodology is an appropriate and consistent approach to use when researching mental health nursing practice.