Theory Development Process of Situation-Specific Theories.

The purpose of this analysis was to determine the development process of situation-specific theories that were published in refereed journals. Fifteen situation-specific theories were retrieved through multiple databases and included in this analysis. Four themes reflecting the commonalties and differences in the theorizing process were extracted: (a) multiple, but no homogeneous steps; (b) various combinations of induction and deduction through unique strategies; (c) deduction from all types of theories/theoretical works; and (d) the use of multiple theories and/or multiple studies. On the basis of the findings, directions for future theoretical development in nursing were proposed.