Theoretical Approaches to Studying Incivility in Nursing Education.

Incivility is a concerning occurrence in nursing education. Examining the concept of incivility is critical to the development of strategies used to prevent and mitigate experiences in nursing education. The purpose of this paper is to examine this concept through theoretical lenses of oppressed group behaviour, attribution theory, and conceptual models of empowerment. A critical social theory perspective is outlined as an additional theoretical approach to studying incivility in nursing education. Examination through various theoretical lenses may help to describe, explain, and predict incivility in nursing education. Theoretical considerations of this concept are limited but may hold the key to comprehensive understanding and advancement of knowledge. The ultimate goal of theoretical and knowledge development of incivility in nursing education is the creation and maintenance of civil educational environments.