Merie Mishel's Uncertainty Of Illness Theory

While science and theories are both used in the field of nursing, theories provide a philosophic outlook into a patient’s overall outcome. A theory is far more than a mere thought or idea. Before a proposed theory can be applied, or understood, it must meet a criteria for acceptance that includes: inclusiveness, consistency, accuracy, relevance, fruitfulness, and simplicity (Cherry & Jacob, 2005, p. 76).

Nursing theory is a unique language that seeks to demonstrate the ideas that are within one’s practice. Merie Mishel’s Uncertainty of Illness theory gained national attention when Mishel taught cancer patients how to be an advocate for their health. Mishel theorized that “stress-producing incidents, such as chronic illnesses, are capable of producing negative physical and psychological outcomes for patients” (Cherry & Jacob, 2005, p. 85). During times of distress,

Additionally, inadequate information from a healthcare provider, a patients’ misperceiving of the illness and/or outcome, as well as a healthcare providers’ presumption that a patient/client understands more about his or her illness than they actually do. Mishel implemented model outlines in a four step approach that includes: a stimuli frame, appraisal stage, initiation of coping mechanisms, and adaptation. In the stimuli frame, Mishel assesses the stimulating factors, or antecedents that contribute to the client’s uncertainty concerning his or her illness. Next, in the appraisal stage, the nurse appraises the client’s value and the possible uncertainties that the client may be facing. Thirdly, the initiation of coping mechanisms stage allows the client to cope with