Situation-Specific Theories From the Middle-Range Transitions Theory

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to analyze the theory development process of the situation-specific theories that were derived from the middle-range transitions theory. This analysis aims to provide directions for future development of situation-specific theories. First, transitions theory is concisely described with its history, goal, and major concepts. Then, the approach that was used to retrieve the situation-specific theories derived from transitions theory is described. Next, an analysis of 6 situation-specific theories is presented. Finally, 4 themes reflecting commonalities and variances in the theory development process are discussed with implications for future theoretical development.