An analysis of altruism: a concept of caring

Abstract

In clinical settings, nurses have observed a conflict within women who are expected to focus on caring for themselves, while their value lies in attending to the needs of others at the sacrifice of self. In this concept analysis of altruism, the term is defined and the critical attributes are identified. Model, borderline, related and contrary cases illustrate what the concept is and what it is not. The meaning of altruism is compared to self-neglect and co-dependence, which are two similar concepts. The antecedents and consequences of altruism are identified to further refine the critical attributes. Implications for research are discussed. This is a first step towards developing nursing theory that will give direction for providing more effective care to women within their value system.

Altruism in clinical research: Coordinators’ orientation to their professional roles

“…Like the ethic of care that is often associated with nursing and motherhood, 30-33 the adoption of altruism in coordinating adds a higher calling to an often tedious and taken-for-granted job. As historically has been the case with nursing, altruism adds a sense of purpose because it emphasizes, for coordinators, the feminized, maternal characteristics that cannot be replaced, or at least not replaced by (male) PIs.…”

Titmuss and the gift relationship: altruism revisited

“…In a recent concept analysis (Smith 1995), it has been argued that altruism displays four critical attributes –‘a sense of personal responsibility for another's well‐being…a sense of compassion for another…a sense of empathy', and ‘an uncalculated selfless commitment to the needs of others’ (p. 787). Following the path defined by concept analysis (Walker & Avant 1988), Smith identifies the consequences of acting altruistically:…”

“… a vicarious pleasure in the welfare or happiness of others; a sense of relief when another's needs appear to be met; good equated with caring for others; the exclusion of self may result in disequilibrium in relationships if only others are legitimized as the recipients of care ( Gilligan 1982 ); care of self may be considered selfish. ( Smith 1995 , p. 789). …”

Caring and cancer nursing: framing the reality using selected social science theory

“…1995, Bottoroff et al . 1995, Smith 1995). The specific nature of caring across different health settings, however, could be more closely examined within this literature.…”