Biological embedding: evaluation and analysis of an emerging concept for nursing scholarship

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this paper was to report the analysis of the concept of biological embedding.

Background: Research that incorporates a life course perspective is becoming increasingly prominent in the health sciences. Biological embedding is a central concept in life course theory and may be important for nursing theories to enhance our understanding of health states in individuals and populations. Before the concept of biological embedding can be used in nursing theory and research, an analysis of the concept is required to advance it towards full maturity.

Design: Concept analysis.

Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched for publications using the term 'biological embedding' or 'biological programming' and published through 2015.

Methods: An evaluation of the concept was first conducted to determine the concept's level of maturity and was followed by a concept comparison, using the methods for concept evaluation and comparison described by Morse.

Results: A consistent definition of biological embedding - the process by which early life experience alters biological processes to affect adult health outcomes - was found throughout the literature. The concept has been used in several theories that describe the mechanisms through which biological embedding might occur and highlight its role in the development of health trajectories. Biological embedding is a partially mature concept, requiring concept comparison with an overlapping concept - biological programming - to more clearly establish the boundaries of biological embedding.

Conclusions: Biological embedding has significant potential for theory development and application in multiple academic disciplines, including nursing.

Keywords: biological embedding; concept analysis; life course theory; nursing; toxic stress.