Development of middle-range theories is a natural extension of a conceptual framework. Middle-range theories, clearly developed from within a conceptual framework, accomplish two goals: (1) Such theories can be directly applied to nursing situations, whereas a conceptual framework is usually too abstract for such direct application, and (2) validation of middle-range theories, clearly developed within a particular conceptual framework, lends validation to the conceptual framework itself. King (1981) stated that individuals act to maintain their own health. Although not explicitly stated, the converse is probably true as well: Individuals often do things that are not good for their health. Accordingly, it is not surprising that the KCS and related middle-range theory are often directed toward patient and group behaviors that influence health.