Aim
The purpose of this paper is 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 toward 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.