Abstract

Background: Although the theory of work and personal role reconciliation has been recently published, the personal roles dimension has not yet been explored in depth. This article aims to describe its theorization. Methods: Constructivist grounded theory was employed to conceptualize the phenomenon of interest from the perspectives of nurses, their families, and administrative staff. Data were derived from 202?h of non-participant observation in two high-complexity hospitals in Chile (one public and one private), 57 institutional documents, and 51 in-depth interviews. Data analysis followed the constant comparative method and multilevel coding. To ensure methodological rigor, the study adhered to the 13 criteria for constructivist grounded theory research proposed by Charmaz and Thornberg and was approved by a Scientific Ethics Committee. Results: Personal roles are defined as the set of behaviors associated with the personal context of intensive care unit nurses, which are shaped by eight sources of interaction: (1) Family dimension; (2) Extended family; (3) Community groups; (4) Recreation spaces; (5) Religious institutions; (6) Health care institutions; (7) Educational institutions; and (8) Other public services. Conclusion: The study presents the theorization process of the personal dimension involved in the reconciliation of work and personal roles among nurses in Intensive Care Units. Personal roles are essential to understanding this reconciliation process. The findings provide evidence of the existence of eight sources of interaction, which are influenced by the cultural context. © © 2025 Valencia-Contrera, Avilés and Febré.