BSN 407 Lesson 14_ Critical Analysis of Nursing Theory...

Lidia Aleman Critical Analysis of Jean Watson’s Philosophy of Human Caring Theory
1. Theory clarity: What is the theory about? What is the purpose of the theory?
What are the concepts and sub-concepts? How are they related (propositions)?
In her theory Jean Watson believed that, “Care and love constitute the primal and
universal psychic energy and care and love are requisite for our survival and the
nourishment of humanity” (Blais & Hayes, 2016). The practice of caring is essential to
nursing and is the unifying focus for practice.
The purpose of the theory is to help the patient develop, “Unity and harmony within the
mind, body, and soul” (Kubsch, n.d.). When there is harmony within an individual's inner
self or soul then there will be a, “...high level of physical, mental and social performance;
and absence of or an attempt to eliminate diseases” (Nikfarid et al., 2018). In order for
this purpose to be fulfilled nurses must serve as a, “... co-participant in care with the
patient who is the agent of change. The nurse assists patients to mental spiritual growth,
finding meaning in existence and experiences, discovering inner power and control, and
potentiating instances of transcendence and self-healing” (Kubsch, n.d.).
The conceptual components of the theory are carative factors, transpersonal caring
relationship, and caring moment/caring occasion. The 10 carative factors, now evolved
into the 10 caritas processes, “... reflect a deeper connection among nursing praxis, caring
science, and the universal concept of love (Kubsch, n.d.), this newer focus includes a
greater spiritual dimension, “... allowing for caring and love to transform the self and
those being cared for (Blais & Hayes, 2016). Transpersonal caring relationships convey a
concern for another, which reaches to the deeper connections of spirit with the broader
universe; it calls one to be authentic (Blais & Hayes, 2016). Watson’s theory stresses the
importance of the lived experience not only of the patient but of the nurse as well. Both
the nurse and patient come together in a caring moment, involving the choice and action
from each side.