Middle range theory for the nursing phenomenon Ineffective social support network.

Purpose: To describe a middle range theory (MRT) with conceptual and explicative capacity of cause and effect situations of Ineffective social support network in nursing.

Data Sources: Descriptive study developed through the Lopes, Silva, and Herdman theoretical-causal validity method, using five steps for theory construction: definition of the approach for constructing the MRT, definition of the main concepts, development of the pictorial diagram, construction of propositions, and establishment of causal relationships and evidence for practice. The foundation of these steps and the development of a predictive nursing theory occurred through Sanicola's Social Network Theory combined with studies from an integrative literature review using the six steps proposed by Whittemore and Knafl.

Data Synthesis-findings: The theory presents etiological factors and clinical indicators for Ineffective social support network, connecting situations related to the person, the members and the configuration of this network, and external situations. The pictogram, symbolically created, represents the hierarchical classification of proximal, intermediate, and distal etiological factors, and their relationship with clinical indicators.

Conclusions: The MRT, predictive for the nursing phenomenon Ineffective social support network, provides understanding of the person from an interpersonal perspective, which interferes with and is affected by a network of virtues and vicissitudes, and has negative influences on health outcomes. Due to its practical vocation, this theory represents an advance in the science and praxis of nursing.

Implications For Clinical Practice: The findings of this study will contribute to the understanding of the nursing phenomenon Ineffective social support network and consequently support the identification of the nursing diagnosis Ineffective social support network, proposed for inclusion in the NANDA-I classification.