Comparative Analysis of Conceptualizations and Theories of Caring

Abstract

We delineated and compared various definitions of caring according to the five major conceptualizations of caring: caring as a human trait; caring as a moral imperative; caring as an affect; caring as an interpersonal interaction; and caring as an intervention. The implications of these diverse conceptualizations of caring for nursing practice are identified, and the commonalities, strengths and weaknesses discussed. It is concluded that caring is relatively undeveloped as a concept, has not been clearly explicated and often lacks relevance for nursing practice.