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Bonding theory–tying mothers in knots? A critical review of the application of a theory to nursing
Author(s) -
BILLINGS JENNIFER RUTH
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2702.1995.tb00208.x
Subject(s) - tying , nursing theory , perspective (graphical) , health care , theme (computing) , nursing , psychology , sociology , epistemology , medline , medicine , computer science , law , philosophy , artificial intelligence , political science , operating system
Summary• In recent times, nursing has witnessed a growing support for the notion of theory as being instrumental in enhancing nursing practice and ultimately patient care (Marriner, 1986). Whether generated from nursing practice, or ‘borrowed’ from other fields, the use of theory is viewed by some as the key to the ultimate recognition of nursing as a scientific, professional discipline in its own right (Stevens, 1984). Parallel to this view, there is a research perspective that questions the ultimate contribution of certain theories to health‐care practice, particularly those emanating from other disciplines, urging caution in their practical utility. This paper enlarges upon this theme, focusing specifically upon the psychological theory of bonding, attempting to explore critically the degree to which it can be used in nursing practice, and to which it contributes towards our understanding of the attachment behaviour between a mother and her infant. • A brief outline is given of the theory and its impact on health‐care practice, and possible limitations discussed with reference to the conceptual origins of bonding theory, the validity of its research methodology, and its use within the wider health‐care setting. • A feminist sociological perspective is used in a brief attempt to explore the wider implications of the bonding theory in relation to the position of women.