Choose a clinical situation in your specialty and create a theory from your observations.

A common situation in mental health nursing is the treatment of anxiety disorder patients. One theory that is derived from the observations of anxiety disorder sufferers is that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), (Concept A) can reduce (Proposition), symptoms of anxiety, (Concepts B). The goal of CBT, a type of psychotherapy, is to identify the negative thoughts and behaviors contributing to anxiety and help them change. Anxiety, which can vary from mild to severe, is defined by a feeling that you are worried or nervous about something. About 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders every year. It is the nation’s most prevalent mental disorder (NIMH, 2021). CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment option for anxiety disorders. CBT is also proven to reduce the likelihood of relapse and enhance social functioning for patients suffering from anxiety disorders. (Concept A) Butler et.al. (2006). Other therapeutic interventions such as exposure therapy and mindfulness-based intervention have been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms (Concept B). (Hoge, Hofmann, 2013). Literature supports the idea that CBT can reduce anxiety symptoms. CBT helps patients to manage anxiety by identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors.

References: Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). A review of metaanalyses on The Empirical Status of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment. Clinical psychology review 26(1):17-31. Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral treatment: A review of meta analyses. Cognitive therapy and research 36(5) 427-440. Hoge, E. A., Bui, E., Marques, L., Metcalf, C. A., Morris, L. K., Robinaugh, D. J., … & Simon, N. M. (2013). Randomized controlled study of mindfulness mediation for generalized anxiety disorders: Effects on anxiety and stress reaction. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 74(8), 786-792. National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml.