Abstract
[Objective] More than two decades have passed since the situation-specific theory (SST) was proposed. This literature review analyzes changes in the number of SST-related articles, their contents, methodologies, and sources for the construction. This study aimed to clarify the developing process and prospects in future SST constructions.
[Methods] Using the CINAHL, PubMed, and ICHUSHI databases, we searched for papers in English with the key words of “situation-specific theory” and “situation-specific theories” and those words translated in Japanese. Eighty-eight articles were found and screened. At the end, fifty articles were to be reviewed, and they were sorted by year of publication and contents. Additionally, articles reporting SST construction were analyzed for the theory constructing methodologies and sources used for the constructions.
[Results] All articles were classified into the following six categories: theory development, concept analysis, clarification of theory sub-concepts, theory testing, research based on theoretical framework, and review/commentary. The number of published articles is increased every year. The review of these articles revealed that constructions of SST were validated and utilized as research frameworks, and SST has been contributing to the construction of knowledge in the field of nursing science. SSTs were constructed in 23 articles, all of which focused on restricted phenomena in particular fields or subjects. The integrative approach was the most commonly employed for construction methods; however, other methods were found in some articles. The sources frequently used for the constructions were preexisting theories, research findings, and literature reviews, whereas practical experiences were rarely used as the sources.
[Conclusion] Based on the increase in constructions of STT, utilization of SST as frameworks, and validation of the theory, the awareness of SST will grow in the field of nursing science. As construction methods other than the integrative approach are emerging, additional SSTs should be constructed with a broader range of approaches.
