Caritas – caring as an ethical conduct

Abstract

The aim of this theoretical study is to describe and analyze caritas by seeking the primary source for this phenomenon, which is used as a central motive in Eriksson's Caritative Theory. The search for the origin and the essence of caritas by critical analysis will create an opportunity to assimilate new meaning into the practice of caring science. This new meaning, based on interpretation, will also act as a solid base for the creation of future theories within caring science. Although this study does not intend to create a new theory for this domain, an attempt is made to shed light on new understandings to establish a deeper foundation for further discussion. Therefore, the methodological basis used is the hermeneutics phenomenology described by Nygren. The starting points refer to three basic assumptions, the former two of which present the core of caring science as an academic discipline; the latter borrows from philosophical creation theology. Therefore, the path for analyzing caritas and the significance of developing a deeper and meaningful understanding are based on the writing of Eriksson as well as through historical and philosophical sources from Judaism, such as the Bible and the Talmud. The results of this study have introduced a new meaning and created a 'space' for caritas. These results are related to the notion of attitudes, being driven by curiosity and questioning, that link faith and scientific investigation. Above all, these attitudes form a central motive profoundly linked to love. Hence, caritas as an attitude turns the concept of care into a more ethical act. However, these new understandings have given rise to ethical questions that obligate consideration towards further study.

Seeking a balance between employment and the care of an ageing parent

“…The innateness in caring for an ageing parent suggested in this study may be related to Eriksson’s theory of caritas, which proposes that caring is natural and that we, as humans, engage in care of next of kin out of love (22). Furthermore, humans are dependant on each other, and the ability to relate to one another is essential for experiencing health emotionally, spiritually and physically (23, 24).…”

The effect of nurse–patient interaction on anxiety and depression in cognitively intact nursing home patients

“…The NPIS comprises 14 items identifying essential relational qualities stressed in the nursing literature (Watson , Martinsen , Eriksson ,b, Nåden & Eriksson , Nåden & Sæteren , Levy‐Malmberg et al . ). Examples of NPIS‐items include ‘Having trust and confidence in the staff nurses’; ‘The nurses take me seriously’, ‘Interaction with nurses makes me feel good’ as well as experiences of being respected and recognised as a person, being listened to and feel included in decisions.…”

Self‐transcendence and nurse–patient interaction in cognitively intact nursing home patients

“…The NPIS was developed for this study to identify important characteristics of NH patients’ experiences of communicating and interacting with the staff nurses, and covers domains that identify essential relational qualities stressed in the nursing care literature (Watson 1988, Martinsen 1993, Eriksson 1995a,b, Nåden & Eriksson 2004, Nåden & Sæteren 2006, Levy‐Malmberg et al. 2008).…”