Watson’s Theory of Caring

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INTRODUCTION

 

Discussion Prompt

Find a concept within Watson’s Theory of Caring and a similar concept within any other nursing theory.  Compare the two concepts for similarities and differences. Illustrate how a person reading about a theory can be influenced in their understanding of a theory if they have a different definition of a concept than the author.

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THE TASK

  • Make a peer response or review of the essay below
  • A minimum of 150 words per post, not including references
  • Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA per post from within the last 5 years

 

There are many theorists that have used the work of Jean Watson’s Theory of Caring in their own theories.  I see a lot of similarities within the work of Madeleine Leininger’s Transcultural Nurse Theory.    The Theory of Caring by Jean Watson was developed between 1975-1979 based on her own views of nursing and her doctoral studies in education-clinical and social psychology.  (Watson Caring Science Institute).  Some of the Similarities that I see is that The Caring theory embraces the whole person, the unity of mind body and spirit as one in relation with environment at all levels.  The Transcultural Theory involves knowing and understanding different cultures concerning nursing and health-illness caring practices, beliefs, and values to provide meaningful and efficacious nursing care services to people’s cultural values. (Nurse Labs, 2021)  Both theorists believe that one must be able to understand the other people’s culture before we can provide the care necessary.   Both Theorists also try to see the person as a whole and understanding that the environment plays an important role in the well-being of the patient. 

There are also some differences within both theorists.  Jean Watson does have a major focus on caring and holistic healing.  Leininger focuses more on understanding the patient but does not use caring as a major component for care.   Leininger’s focus solely on the patient while Watson puts a lot of emphasis on the caregiver and the ability to provide genuine compassionate care.

As a theorist, they may not always get their point across.  When a person is reading or studying a certain theory they also have their own views about the main concept and can interpret the content in a way that it makes sense to them.  Not everyone will be able to think the same way or understand the theory as it was intended.  People have their own biases, values and beliefs.  What Caring means to me might be very different than what Caring means to others. 

References

Gonzalo, Angelo. Madeleine Leininger: Trans Cultural Nursing Theory.  Nurselabs. Updated on August 20,2021.  https://nurselabs.com/madeleine-leininger-transultural-nursing-theory/

Watson Caring Science Institute. Caring Science & Human Caring Theory. https://www.watsoncaringscience.org/jean-bio-caring-science-theory/