Mishel's Theory Of Uncertainty In Illness

Theorist Merle Mishel was born in 1939 in Boston, Massachusetts. She has Bachelor of Arts from Boston University in 1961, Master 's degree in psychiatric nursing from UCLA in 1966, Master of Arts in 1976, PhD in social psychology in 1980. Her educational areas include adult Health, research, education. Currently she is working as Kenan Distinguished Professor of Nursing, Director of doctoral and postdoctoral programs, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has received various awards for her contribution in nursing. During her early career she has practiced as a psychiatric nurse in acute care and in community settings. She is faculty member in department of Nursing at the California State University at Los Angeles, professor

Her phenomenological study was done by interviewing patients, family members, and nurses until data saturation was achieved. Previous qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies were included in the development of Cypress’s research. She clearly defines the theory of uncertainty as it relates to the patient and identifies three stimulus frame components related to uncertainty symptom pattern, event familiarity, and event congruence. In her research two variables cognitive capacity and structure providers are identified as influencing these stimulus. This study found uncertainty primarily among the patient and not among the family

The theory of uncertainty of illness by Mishel can be used in practice to provide direction for nurse to support patients in understanding and coping with uncertainty in illness (Masters, 2015). If all nurses understand the theory of uncertainty in illness, they can better assist their patients to have the best outcome. Nurses should be educated on this theory to be able to use it in practice. The theory has been used to educate clinicians of all areas on the understanding of patients as a whole and their situations during times of uncertainty (Mishel, 2014).

Merle Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Theory Critique This theory critique uses the questions presented in the South University Theory Critique Checklist. It is broken down into four sections in which to examine the theory. The theory of uncertainty in illness by Merle Mishel was one that developed over a period of time. She first came up with her scale of uncertainty in illness. From that she created her first version of the theory and later she added portions to the theory. The reconceptialized theory made it to where it could be applied to patients with chronic illnesses.