Watson’s Caring Theory

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INTRODUCTION

Discussion Prompt

Watson’s Caring Theory, a grand theory and conceptual model in nursing, is the underlying framework for United States University College of Nursing’s programs.  Identify a middle-range theory within her conceptual model. Clearly identify how she defines the concepts and propositions between them. Report them to the class using the form “psychosocial development (Concept A) progresses through (Proposition) stages (Concept B)”. Psychosocial development and stages are examples and NOT required for the assignment. Using the readings for the week, discuss why her work is considered a grand theory.

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THE TASK

MAKE A PEER RESPONSE OR REVIEW ON THE ESSAY BELOW

  • Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
  • Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA format from within the last 5 years

In Watson’s theory, there is an emphasis on recognizing the humanity and spirituality of each person as a whole, and not just their disease process (Rossillo et al., 2020). Watson believes that the study of the humanities expands the mind and increases the capacity to think and personal development. Therefore, it is a pioneer in integrating the humanities, arts and sciences.

Her theory is based on the humanistic aspects and on the ethical and spiritual dimensions of care, considering the characteristics of each individual and their bio-psycho-spiritual-social needs, which can contribute fundamentally to the development of holistic critical thinking and to the role of the nurse in care, teaching and research fields (Riegel et al., 2018).

Watson’s Human Caring Theory gives life and vigor to the existential side of nursing care given (concept A).  This should focus on authentic and holistic care (proposition) of the patient and aiming to help people achieve a greater degree of harmony with the mind, body and soul. Taking care of these elements will greatly improve the patient with her/his healing process and recovery (concept B) at an optimal level. So as we see here, nursing care that includes holistic, mind, body and soul approach results in a higher quality and faster recovery rather than addressing the physical symptom only.

The elaboration of Watson’s theory is based on the four concepts of nursing, health, person environment and 10 carative factors. Though it has some limitations like any theory, this theory of human care comes with many strong elements and attributes which integrates together various areas of knowledge. It is called a grand theory because it is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates the art and science of nursing and combines it with concepts of philosophy, ethics, ecology and mind-body-spirit medicine under the umbrella of an all-rounded holistic approach.

According to Utley, a grand theory is broad in scope and is composed of abstract concepts that cannot be directly tested or measured (Utley, 2018, p. 8). Jean Watson’s grand theory is one of the newest and one of the most widely used theories in nursing.

  

References

Riegel, F., Crossetti, M., & Siqueira, D. (2018). Contributions of jean watson’s theory to holistic critical thinking of nurses. Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, 71(4), 2072–2076. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0065

Rossillo, K., Norman, V., Wickman, M., & Winokur, E. (2020). Caritas education: Theory to practice. International Journal for Human Caring, 24(2), 106–120. https://doi.org/10.20467/humancaring-d-19-00030

Utley, R. (2018). Frameworks for Advanced Nursing Practice and Research. Springer Publishing Company .