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84 UNIT II Nursing Philosophies

MAJOR CONCEPTS & DEFINITIONS—cont’d
and illness of individuals. Concepts relevant to 10. Allowance for Existential-Phenomenological
the internal environment include the mental and Forces
spiritual well-being and sociocultural beliefs of Phenomenology describes data of the immediate
an individual. In addition to epidemiological situation that help people understand the phe-
variables, other external variables include com- nomena in question. Existential psychology is a
fort, privacy, safety, and clean, aesthetic sur- science of human existence that uses phenome-
roundings (Watson, 1979). nological analysis. Watson considers this factor
difficult to understand. It is included to provide a
9. Assistance with Gratification of Human Needs thought-provoking experience, leading to a bet-
The nurse recognizes the biophysical, psycho- ter understanding of the self and others.
physical, psychosocial, and intrapersonal needs of Watson believes that nurses have the respon-
self and patient. Patients must satisfy lower-order sibility to go beyond the 10 carative factors and
needs before attempting to attain higher-order to facilitate patients’ development in the area
needs. Food, elimination, and ventilation are ex- of health promotion through preventive health
amples of lower-order biophysical needs, whereas actions. This goal is accomplished by teaching
activity, inactivity, and sexuality are considered patients personal changes to promote health,
lower-order psychophysical needs. Achievement providing situational support, teaching prob-
and affiliation are higher-order psychosocial lem-solving methods, and recognizing coping
needs. Self-actualization is a higher-order intrap- skills and adaptation to loss (Watson, 1979).
ersonal-interpersonal need (Watson, 1979).

Use of Empirical Evidence mythological Danaides, who attempted to fill a broken
Watson’s research into caring incorporates empiricism jar with water, only to see water flow through the
but emphasizes approaches that begin with nursing cracks. She believed the study of sciences and humani-
phenomena rather than with the natural sciences ties was required to seal similar cracks in the scientific
(Leininger, 1979). For example, she has used human basis of nursing knowledge (Watson, 1981, 1997).
science, empirical phenomenology, and transcendent Watson describes assumptions for a Transpersonal
phenomenology in her work. She has investigated Caring Relationship extending to multidisciplinary
metaphor and poetry to communicate, convey, and practitioners:
elucidate human caring and healing (Watson, 1987, • Moral commitment, intentionality, and caritas
2005). In her inquiry and writing, she increasingly consciousness by the nurse protect, enhance, and
incorporated her conviction that a sacred relationship potentiate human dignity, wholeness, and healing,
exists between humankind and the universe (Watson, thereby allowing a person to create or co-create his
1997, 2005). or her own meaning for existence.
• The conscious will of the nurse affirms the subjec-
tive and spiritual significance of the patient while
Major Assumptions seeking to sustain caring in the midst of threat and
Watson calls for joining of science with humanities so despair—biological, institutional, or otherwise.
that nurses have a strong liberal arts background and The result is honoring of an I-Thou Relationship
understand other cultures as a requisite for using Car- rather than an I-It Relationship.
ing Science and a mind-body-spiritual framework. She • The nurse seeks to recognize, accurately detect,
believes that study of the humanities expands the mind and connect with the inner condition of spirit of
and enhances thinking skills and personal growth. another through genuine presence and by being
Watson has compared the status of nursing with the centered in the caring moment; actions, words,