Introduction
Integrative Theory aims to bring together seemingly disparate areas of study and practice into a unified whole. It integrates knowledge from several fields to provide a more complete picture of complicated processes (Mascolo & Bidell, 2020). The purpose of this study is to investigate the history of Integrative Theory, to critically review its foundations in light of current research, to address its applications within the context of a family whose young child has been given the diagnosis with cerebral palsy, as well as investigate its implications regarding nursing practice.
Background of Integrative Theory
As the shortcomings of classical, reductionist theories in explaining complex phenomena have been more widely acknowledged, Integrative Theory has become a popular alternative. It stresses the need for a broader, more unified viewpoint that integrates different fields’ knowledge to provide thorough answers. Weisberg (2019) and others who have studied the art of problem-solving have shown the value of considering many angles. Some people believe that a complete grasp of a situation’s intricacies is possible via exposure to other points of view.
Integrative Theory has been used by Arnett (2022) in positive psychology. Arnett’s integrated Theory of pleasure provides a comprehensive view of emotion by fusing positive psychology with different theoretical frameworks to examine its roots in the individual and the larger social and cultural contexts. Epstein & Epstein (2017) have highlighted the need to use an integrated approach in psychotherapy. Their philosophy of integrative psychotherapy draws from numerous therapeutic approaches to better suit the individual requirements of each patient. Because of this adaptability in therapeutic approaches, patients may get care that is tailored according to their needs.
Integrative Theory’s applicability goes beyond the field of psychology, as shown by the research of scholars like Hawes (2018) as well as Mascolo and Bidell (2020). These scholars have shown how a more complete and nuanced knowledge of complex phenomena within domains like sociology, education, and anthropology may be achieved via integrating ideas and methods from across academic disciplines.
Analysis of the Underpinning for Integrative Theory
Integrative Theory analyzes complex occurrences by merging multiple fields of knowledge and approaches. This method’s capacity to synthesize different fields’ results may help researchers, practitioners, as well as academics understand complicated problems. This essay examines Integrative Theory’s role in problem-solving and knowledge advancement by examining Weisberg’s problem-solving research, Arnett’s integrative Theory of joy, and Epstein and Epstein’s integrative Theory of psychotherapy.
Integrative Theory’s major goal is to encourage cross-disciplinary work and eliminate the silos developed around individual academic disciplines. Weisberg’s problem-solving approach indicates that interdisciplinary knowledge may lead to new and efficient solutions (Weisberg, 2019). Conventional approaches may not work for complicated problems with many moving elements. Integrative Theory uses ideas and techniques from other domains to solve complicated issues. Researchers and practitioners may benefit from the best features of some theories while avoiding the drawbacks of others using an integrated strategy like this.
Arnett’s idea of joy provides an example of how Integrative ideas may help us comprehend nuanced human experiences. Happiness is considered an intricate phenomenon in this setting, not easily reduced to a single theoretical framework. Arnett integrates positive psychology with sociology, anthropology, as well as neuroscience to broaden the definition of happiness and well-being (Arnett, 2022). By borrowing from several fields, this strategy highlights the intricate interaction between psychological, social, and biological variables that affect enjoyment.
Epstein & Epstein’s integrative Theory of psychotherapy shows the usefulness of integrating treatment methods to meet mental health issues’ complexity. Mental health therapies may affect individuals differently (Epstein & Epstein, 2017). By drawing from a variety of approaches, therapists using Integrative Theory within psychotherapy are better able to meet the specific requirements of each patient. Clients may achieve better results when therapists combine elements of other therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, among others.
The foundation of Integrative Theory is found in its examination of similarities despite differences. It acknowledges that the complexity of many occurrences in the world defies reduction to a single theory or academic field (Elliott, 2018). Integrative Theory aims to provide a more coherent and comprehensive framework for comprehending and resolving issues by integrating information from many sources. This integrative strategy promotes cooperation, which leads to a deeper understanding of complex-system dynamics and interactions.
Integrative Theory promotes cooperation and tolerance among academics, professionals, and students. It allows specialists from many professions to work collaboratively towards a single objective by removing barriers between them that have previously prevented them from doing so (Mascolo & Bidell, 2020). Because of this idea exchange, discoveries and developments may be made in many different fields at once. Integrative Theory also compels academics to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each Theory they consider (Hawes, 2018). A thorough study is required for this synthesis process to ensure that only important and convincing parts of each Theory are included. Therefore, Integrative Theory encourages better study and scholarship since it compels academics to investigate several fields in depth.
Applications of Integrative Theory: Case Management for Cerebral Palsy
A comprehensive treatment strategy for a young kid with cerebral palsy may be developed with the aid of Integrative Theory. A thorough evaluation of the child’s physical, mental, as well as social requirements would be performed initially. The child’s health and the specific challenges and strengths of the family may be better understood via the combined efforts of medical professionals, mental health professionals, and social service providers working together.
Based on this data, a collaborative care plan would be developed to meet the child’s medical needs, therapeutic intervention goals, and social support demands. Integrative Theory places a premium on family dynamics; hence, the family would play an integral role in making decisions, with their values along with preferences taken into account. Medical professionals, support groups, assistive technology, community activities, and educational resources that are specifically designed to suit the child’s particular requirements are just some of the options that Integrative Theory advises families to seek out and use.
Implications for Nursing Practice
The nursing profession may benefit in a number of ways by considering Integrative Theory. Nurses might start by considering the patient’s physical, emotional, social, and environmental requirements. Nurses collaborate with doctors, therapists, social workers, and others to establish tailored care plans for patients as well as their households in multidisciplinary teams. Integrative Theory emphasizes family involvement and skill-building. Nurses maximize resources to provide care to patients and their families.
Conclusion
Particularly in difficult circumstances like families who have a kid diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the framework provided by Integrative Theory is invaluable. Holistic treatment, multidisciplinary teamwork, patient and family engagement, and resource maximization are all possible when healthcare practitioners draw from a wide range of theoretical and methodological frameworks. Adopting Integrative Theory may result in better treatment for patients and their loved ones.
References
Arnett, J. J. (2022). Joy: An integrative theory. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2022.2053878
Delbert Elliott. (2018). Integrated Theory. Obo. https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/abstract/document/obo-9780195396607/obo-9780195396607-0135.xml#:~:text=obo%2F9780195396607%2D0135-
Epstein, S., & Epstein, M. L. (2017). An Integrative Theory of Psychotherapy: Research and Practice. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 26(2), 116–128. https://doi.org/10.1037/int0000032
Hawes, D. J. (2018, January 1). 13 – Integrative Theory and treatment (M. et al., Ed.). ScienceDirect; Academic Press. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128113233000134
Mascolo, M. F., & Bidell, T. R. (2020). Steps toward an Integrative Theory of Psychological Development. Handbook of Integrative Developmental Science, 466. https://www.academia.edu/44982442/Steps_Toward_Integrative_Theory_of_Psychological_Development
Weisberg, R. W. (2019). Toward an integrated theory of insight in problem-solving. In Insight and Creativity in Problem Solving (pp. 5-39). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315144061-2/toward-integrated-theory-insight-problem-solving-robert-weisberg
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