Middle-range theory for diagnosing situational low self-esteem.
Nursing Theory. Self image. Nursing Students. Nursing diagnosis.
Undergraduate nursing students constitute a population vulnerable to mental imbalance and/or
a crisis resulting from stressors related to academic life. Physical and psychological harm,
such as anxiety and depressive symptoms and low self-esteem, can occur frequently and
impair academic performance, interpersonal relationships and quality of life. In addition to
these possible physical and emotional disorders, low self-esteem can also lead to self-
destructive behavior, lower self-efficacy and course dropout. With this, the present study aims
to validate a medium-range theory for the nursing diagnosis low situational self-esteem in
nursing students. This is a methodological research, which is being outlined from three
moments: 1) theoretical construction; 2) content validation; and, 3) clinical validation. At
first, the middle-range theory of the low self-esteem diagnosis for nursing students was
developed, based on the theoretical framework of Roy and Lopes, Silva and Herdman;
operationalized through a scope review. This made it possible to identify and understand,
from a causal perspective, the antecedents and consequences of the diagnosis, and to elaborate
conceptual and operational definitions. The theory concepts were validated by 22 judges with
levels of expertise ranging from beginner to experienced, with analysis of the Content
Validity Index based on the collective wisdom approach. In the third stage, the theory will be
applied to 120 nursing students from a federal public institution located in Campina Grande,
Paraíba. In the construction of this work, all ethical aspects are being respected. Thus, it is
expected that the results of this study will contribute to the advancement of nursing
knowledge, closer research to practice and strengthening of the self-esteem of undergraduate
nursing students.