Middle Range and Borrowed Theories
Middle range theories have existed since the sixties, and emerged in nursing because they are "more readily operationalized and addressed through research than are grand theories" (McEwen & Wills, 2011, p. 225). Middle range theories describe, explain and predict phenomena and are explicit and testable.
Theories that have been developed in other disciplines but which are relevant and applicable to nursing are "borrowed" theories. "An understanding of theories from sociology and related disciplines that focus on the interaction between human society and individuals is important for nurses, however, because sociologic issues have a dramatic impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, and
society" (McEwen & Wills, 2011, p. 274).
Theories that have been developed in other disciplines but which are relevant and applicable to nursing are "borrowed" theories. "An understanding of theories from sociology and related disciplines that focus on the interaction between human society and individuals is important for nurses, however, because sociologic issues have a dramatic impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families, groups, and
society" (McEwen & Wills, 2011, p. 274).