Nursing theory-guided research.

Theory-guided research has a long tradition in nursing that spans at least 50 years. Yet the use of nursing theory with qualitative research approaches continues to raise questions. Grounded theory is selected by nurses as a research methodology to address research questions that are aimed at understanding the nuances of nursing communication processes. Nurse theorist Margaret Newman is recognized in this issue for her theoretical contributions to practice and research, and a Newman scholar is introduced who explains her use of grounded theory research methodology guided by Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness.