This study aimed to identify nursing theses and dissertations which utilized the Social Representation Theory available in the Center for Nursing Studies and Research database from 2001 to 2007. It is an exploratory, Bibliometrics analysis study of the papers registered in the database. Of the 3246 studies found, 167 (5%) used the Theory; 38 (22.7%) were dissertations and 129 (77.3%) were theses. The Southeast and the Northeast regions recorded the highest production, with 61.2% and 26.8%, respectively. In theoretical approach, 80 (62%) theses and 27 (71%) dissertations used this theoretical framework. Its use as a theoretical and methodological reference occurred in 16 (10%) studies. In these studies data was collected through interviews, used in 44.4% of the cases, and content analysis, the choice of 54.6% of the students. We highlight a growing interest in the Social Representation Theory and the need for greater criteria in preparing abstracts, given their importance in developing scientific research.
Research nursing; Psychology social; Nursing; Bibliometrics
