Empirical validation of the Nursing Theory of Rehabilitation for Personal Well-being:

Test of concepts and statements

Abstract

Objective: to empirically test the concepts and statements of the Nursing Theory of Rehabilitation
for Well-Being in people cared for by specialist nurses in Portugal. Method: cross-sectional analytical
survey study grounded in the framework proposed by Walker and Avant. The sample included 96
adults, with an inclusion criterion of age above 18 years and an exclusion criterion of incomplete
completion, exceeding the initial sample size calculation of 74 subjects at a 99% confidence level,
to ensure greater statistical robustness. Recruitment occurred through snowball sampling between December 2023 and February 2024. The instrument, composed of 13 statements on a 4-point Likert scale, addressed the concepts of recognition, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, hope, and well-being. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha, with SPSS v.22 software. Results: exploratory factor analysis confirmed the structural validity of the 13 statements, which grouped into a unidimensional factor with explained variance above 50%
and factor loadings above 0.5. The agreement index for the theoretical premises exceeded 80%, demonstrating the applicability of the concepts in users’ perceptions. Conclusion: empirical testing validated the theory’s operational core, showing that the intersubjective relation of recognition promotes self-realization and well-being. The theoretical structure proved scientifically robust for guiding specialized practice, although its generalization should consider the cultural specificities of the European context.