The Emergence of the Theory of Direction and Diversion: A Pathway to Quality Caring in Nursing

Life situations of varying degrees influence a person’s perspective in making decisions that are either directly or alternatively beneficial to their well-being. Encountering these life situations brings a person to both ends of the life spectrum, to both positive and negative situations. In situations wherein, it may not be favourable to the person, a divergence to alternative mechanisms is presented that helps the person to be in control of the situation. This study aimed to develop a theory that explores the concept of Direction (directly facing the situation) and Diversion (different opportunities for solutions) as a pathway to quality caring in nursing. The emerging theory of direction and diversion was developed using an axiomatic approach. This study implored a deductive-axiomatic approach to develop a theory that explains and describes the occurrence of the phenomenon through an extensive literature review that delves into identified concepts that are relative to main of concept of Direction and Diversion. Several axiomatic statements where derived that helped in the development of the emerging Theory of Direction and Diversion. The emerged theory states that a person in a given situation takes better control of the situation either by directing oneself to confront the life encounter or diverging to a purposeful path which influences the person in taking better steps in handling several life situations. These life situations may place a person in situations of varying levels, which entails a variety of considerations that affects the well-being on the individual. Having a sense of Direction leads to the attainment of one’s set goals; whereas a sense of Diversion presents opportunities that are made beneficial to the person.