Theoretical Framework of Psychiatric Nursing-I

Abstract

Unless nursing practice is based on a sound theoretical foundation, it is not possible to consider it as a profession. Therefore, taking a theoretical approach is crucial for psychiatric nursing, as well as in other areas of the nursing profession. Ideally, nursing should be undergirded by a theoretical framework that provides direction and guides its applications. These guiding frameworks consist of various theoretical approaches that can explain and define the problems of patients. When nursing interventions are performed in the light of such theoretical frameworks, nursing care can gain a more scientific basis. Some authors have defined theoretical frameworks by considering the most effective ideas applicable to psychiatric nursing practices; some have formed theoretical frameworks by considering the most widely used theories in psychiatric nursing practice; and others have generated theoretical frameworks using major theories derived from psychiatric nursing practices. In this article, in light of the existing literature, we discuss the necessity of a theoretical framework for the profession, theoretical frameworks that have been formulated for psychiatric nursing, and the application of theories that exists within the framework of psychiatric nursing practices.