Running head: MIDDLE-RANGE THEORY OF ADAPTATION TO CHRONIC PAIN 1

Middle-Range Theory of Adaptation to Chronic Pain

Name

Institution
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Introduction

Chronic pain is a stimulus that affects people as they advance in age. Chronic pain has

many effects and causes, and it changes the psychological, social and physical lives. The

management of chronic pain requires a combination of both the pharmacological and non-

pharmacological methods, in essence viewing an individual as a wholesome being who is in

constant interrelation with the environment. The purpose of this article is to read the article

middle –range theory of adaptation to chronic pain (Dunn, 2004) and then find and add two

additional items supporting this theory.

Towards a Middle-Range Theory of Adaptation to Chronic Pain

The authors of this study wanted to advance disciplinary knowledge in nursing

significantly, and as such, they studied a middle range- a theory that could be empirically

investigated, connected to existing approaches as well as drive hypothesis. Dunn, (2004)

presented a strategy used in the development of a middle-range nursing theory of chronic pain

adaptation that was based on the description by Merton. Synthesis and analysis of literature and

theoretical review provided the foundation for developing the adjustment to chronic pain model.

A logical deduction was applied to infer the adaptation to chronic pain model from the Roys,

adaptation model.

Summary of unpleasant symptoms

This article provides critiques and analysis of various studies. First to be analyzed and

criticized is a review by Moore on the pain management which is depicted as a critical role in

nursing. The theory is adjudged to an easily understood. The second theory to be criticized and

analyzed is the unpleasant symptoms theory(Lenz, Pugh, Milligan, Gift, & Suppe, 1997) and
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finally the staff efficiency theories. These theories have advantages and disadvantages although

they are both geared towards managing chronic pain

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Reference

Dunn, K. S. (2004). Toward a Middle-Range Theory of Adaptation to Chronic Pain. Nursing

Science Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1177/0894318403260474

Lenz, E. R., Pugh, L. C., Milligan, R. A., Gift, A., & Suppe, F. (1997). The Middle-Range

Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms: An Update. Advances in Nursing Science, 19(3), 14–27.

https://doi.org/10.1097/00012272-199703000-00003