The EMeRGE theory of emerging adult-aged women's sexual and reproductive health self-management: A grounded theory study

Aims: To explore how emerging adult-aged women self-manage their sexual and reproductive health and to generate a grounded theory of these self-management processes.Design: Grounded theory methods using a constructivist approach.Methods: Between September 2019 and September 2020, 18- to 25-years-old women (n = 13) were recruited from a 4-year university, a 2-year community college, and neighbourhoods surrounding the institutions of higher education. Individual interviews were transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analysed using a constant comparative method and inductive coding.Results: The theory purports that core processes of sexual and reproductive health self-management used by the women in this study included both passive and (re)active processes. These processes expanded upon and/or maintained the women's accessible sexual and reproductive health knowledge, behaviour and beliefs, defined as the sexual and reproductive health repertoire. The processes appeared to be cyclical and were often initiated by a catalysing event or catalyst and resulted in conversations with confidantes, or trusted individuals. A catalyst was either resolved or normalized by expanding or maintaining the sexual and reproductive health repertoire.Conclusion: The resulting theory, EMeRGE Theory, offers insight into the complex and cyclical processes emerging adult-aged women use to simultaneously develop and adapt their foundational sexual and reproductive health knowledge, behaviours and beliefs.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: This explication of emerging adult-aged women's sexual and reproductive health self-management processes can be used by nurses and nurse researchers to better address this population's unique health needs.Impact: The EMeRGE Theory provides valuable guidance for future exploratory and intervention research aimed at improving the health and well-being of emerging adult-aged women.Reporting Method: The authors adhered to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative studies (COREQ) in preparation of this publication.Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.