CONFORMITY WITH NATURE - A THEORY OF CHINESE-AMERICAN ELDERS HEALTH PROMOTION AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PROCESSES

Grounded theory methodology was used to generate a substantive theory that describes and explains the beliefs and behaviors regarding health promotion and illness prevention among Chinese elders in the United S tates. On the basis of data collected from 21 Chinese elders, the theo ry, conformity with nature, emerged. Three interrelated subprocesses-h armonizing with the environment, following bliss, and listening to hea ven-were identified. This theory facilitates an understanding of ways to promote health and prevent illness and offers a guide for providing quality health care to Chinese elders in the United States.