Boff, R. D. M., Segalla, C. D., Feoli, A. M. P., Gustavo, A. D. S., & Oliveira, M. D. S. (2018). The transtheoretical model to assist lifestyle modification in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Trends in Psychology, 26, 1055-1067. Web.
This source investigates whether the transtheoretical model (TTM) can be utilized to influence lifestyle change among adolescents with obesity and overweight. The researchers conducted an intervention through a closed group format where they held weekly meetings with the participants (Boff et al., 2018). The researchers also briefed the adolescents’ family members on the importance of keeping the participants motivated in their weight loss journey. Eight of the thirteen participants recorded a weight loss following the intervention which utilized strategies meant to stimulate the change processes.
The transtheoretical model (TTM) states that individuals move through certain stages as they undergo change. In the first stage known as contemplation, people do not see anything that needs changing and has no intention to change. In the final stage which is called maintenance, people work to maintain their current progress and prevent relapse. The study found that people can be steered or guided during these stages. By using strategies such as informative meetings and motivational talks, the change process is stimulated.
The study conducted is relevant to future nurse practitioners. It demonstrates that it is possible to guide patients through the stages of the TTM (Boff et al., 2018). Some people struggle with unhealthy lifestyle behavior because they are unable to effectively guide themselves through the five stages of change. Nurse practitioners can intervene and assist people as they change certain aspects of their lives. It is also worth noting that TTM is applicable to other areas such as helping patients with addictions.
Herrmann, A., Hall, A., & Proietto, A. (2018). Using the Health Belief Model to explore why women decide for or against the removal of their ovaries to reduce their risk of developing cancer. BMC women’s health, 18(1), 1-14. Web.
This source studies how the health belief model (HBM) can be used to explain how women decide whether to remove their ovaries. When faced with the risk of ovarian cancer, some women contemplate removing their ovaries (Herrmann et al., 2018). The researchers of this paper investigated what factors influenced their decision-making. The HBM is a theory used for disease prevention and health promotion. It suggests that a person’s beliefs about health problems, benefits of an action, barriers to action, and self-efficacy determine whether they will engage in health-promoting behaviors. The women who were interviewed analyzed the risks they faced including the possibility of cancer and the likelihood of death (Herrmann et al., 2018). Their decision was also based on the barriers they would face if they decided to remove their ovaries. Therefore, the article shows that the decision can be explained by the HBM.
The health belief model can be used to anticipate and understand patients’ decisions. When a nurse understands the factors that may influence a person’s decision on their choice of treatment, they will be able to help them better. Additionally, the HBM supports communication between patients and healthcare providers. The former can use the model to explain to patients their treatment options which improve patient-centered care.
Shamizadeh, T., Jahangiry, L., Sarbakhsh, P., & Ponnet, K. (2019). Social cognitive theory-based intervention to promote physical activity among prediabetic rural people: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20(1), 1-10. Web.
In this paper, the researchers investigated the effectiveness of the social cognitive theory (SCT) in encouraging physical activity. The participants were all people with prediabetes and whose life would subsequently require some changes. The intervention was an educational program that taught them behavioral change techniques (Shamizadeh et al., 2019). The results of the study showed that SCT is effective in combating prediabetes because, at the end of it, the participants were found to engage in more physical activity that reduced the chance of diabetes.
The social cognitive theory posits that an individual’s health behaviors are influenced by their experiences, other people’s actions, and environmental factors. The source describes an experiment that was conducted to see how the interplay of these three factors influences health (Shamizadeh et al., 2019). The researchers explain that to modify behavior, it is essential to inform people on why there is a need for change. The participants abided by the educational program due to behavioral change techniques such as coping, goal-setting, self-efficacy, and collective effort which are all elements of SCT.
The findings of this journal are applicable to the practice of nurses. The social cognitive theory suggests that a person’s behavior is influenced by themselves, others, and their environment. Nurses can utilize this to drive positive behavior change. For instance, promoting weight loss involves motivating a person to want to achieve a healthful weight and encouraging them to create the right environment to do so. Nurses can use SCT to guide individuals, groups, and even communities to achieve the desired goal.
Wazqar, D. Y. (2017). Suffering Among Patients with Cancer: A Concept Analysis and Implications for Oncology Nurses. International Journal of Clinical Oncology and Cancer Research, 2(5), 113-122. Web.
This article investigates the concept of suffering among patients with cancer. It carries out a literature analysis of this concept across different disciplines such as psychology, social science, nursing, and religion to understand its meaning. In cancer patients, suffering is subjective and can be described in different terms including pain, distress, and loss (Wazqar, 2017). The source concludes that although it is difficult to define suffering, oncology nurses can help their patients better by use of research to identify when their patients suffer.
This journal is related to the praxis theory of suffering because it investigates the meaning and nature of suffering among cancer patients. The theory holds that there are two states of suffering, which are enduring and emotional suffering. Although the source does not explicitly state that suffering falls into either of these categories, it recognizes that suffering is subjective. Therefore, the article is in congruence with the praxis theory of suffering.
The praxis theory of suffering posits that nurses can alleviate suffering. By seeking to understand the kind of suffering that a patient is experiencing, they will know which intervention works best for them. Nurse practitioners can apply the findings of this research to their practices. The paper proposes that nurses should utilize research on suffering to provide care using evidence-based practices. This recommendation is applicable not only in oncology but also to other areas of healthcare provision.
Wright, B. M., & Benigno, J. P. (2019). Autism spectrum disorder and sibling relationships: Exploring implications for intervention using a family systems framework. American journal of speech-language pathology, 28(2), 759-767. Web.
There is a gap in research on how sibling relationships affect the treatment of children with disabilities. The researchers of this paper were interested in the role that siblings play in the treatment of children with autism. They state that these relationships are important because they are enduring and long-lasting and have the potential to influence perspectives, social communication, and emotional understanding (Wright & Benigno, 2019). The article concludes that it is important to involve the entire family when treating children with an autism spectrum disorder.
According to the family systems theory (FST), family members influence each other’s behavior. The family unit is a complex system where the interaction of members greatly impacts the conditions of each individual. The paper utilizes the FST because it recognizes the role of each individual in providing care to the vulnerable member of the family (Wright & Benigno, 2019). Involving the whole family, rather than just the parents and the child with autism, provides better quality care to the latter.
The FST is relevant to healthcare provision by nurse practitioners. Nurses should be aware of how family relations affect the emotional well-being of each member and utilize this in their practice. For instance, when providing rehabilitative services, it is necessary for the recovering patient to have the support of their family members. When nurses are aware of the FST, they are better suited to guide the recovery process of patients.
References
Boff, R. D. M., Segalla, C. D., Feoli, A. M. P., Gustavo, A. D. S., & Oliveira, M. D. S. (2018). The transtheoretical model to assist lifestyle modification in adolescents with overweight and obesity. Trends in Psychology, 26, 1055-1067. Web.
Herrmann, A., Hall, A., & Proietto, A. (2018). Using the Health Belief Model to explore why women decide for or against the removal of their ovaries to reduce their risk of developing cancer. BMC women’s health, 18(1), 1-14. Web.
Shamizadeh, T., Jahangiry, L., Sarbakhsh, P., & Ponnet, K. (2019). Social cognitive theory-based intervention to promote physical activity among prediabetic rural people: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20(1), 1-10. Web.
Wazqar, D. Y. (2017). Suffering Among Patients with Cancer: A Concept Analysis and Implications for Oncology Nurses. International Journal of Clinical Oncology and Cancer Research, 2(5), 113-122. Web.
Wright, B. M., & Benigno, J. P. (2019). Autism spectrum disorder and sibling relationships: Exploring implications for intervention using a family systems framework. American journal of speech-language pathology, 28(2), 759-767. Web.