M. Kalfoss, J. Owe
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subjective experiences of the people we serve” ([14], p. 50). In all, the carative
factors are comprised of 10 elements and is presented in
Table 1 ([33], p.75). As
she continued to evolve her theory, Watson introduced the concept of clinical
caritas processes, which have now replaced her carative factors, containing a
greater spiritual dimension in these processes. The word “caritas” originated
from the Greek vocabulary, meaning to cherish and give special loving attention.
2. Method
2.1. Design
The study uses an exploratory qualitative design, in which qualitative data are
collected, based on real-life experiences brought out in focus group discussions.
Focus groups were selected for enhancing the dynamics of discussions and en-
suring that different perspectives would be expressed. The interactions and dy-
namics among focus group members can generate important information in a
data collection situation, which most notable would be less accessible without
the focus group interaction.
Table 1. Description of Watson’s caritas processes and focus group themes.
Watson’s Carative Factors Watson’s Caritas Processes Focus Group Themes
Humanistic-altruistic values
Practicing loving-kindness &
equanimity for self and other.
REVERENCE/RESPECT
DIGNITY-VALUE OF
HUMAN LIFE
BONDING
SENSITIVE TO SELF
AND OTHER
GOOD
COMMMUNICATION
COMPETENCE
WILLFULNESS
DEEP CARING
Instilling/enabling faith & hope
Being authentically present to/enabling/sustaining/honoring
deep belief system and subjective world of self/other.
Cultivation of sensitivity to
one’s self and other
Cultivating of one’s own spiritual practices;
deepening self-awareness, going beyond “ego self”.
Development of helping-trusting,
human caring relationship
Developing and sustaining a helping-trusting,
authentic caring relationship.
Promotion and acceptance
of expression
of positive and negative feelings
Being present to, and supportive of, the expression of
positive and negative feelings as a connection with
deeper spirit of self and the one-being-cared-for.
Systematic use of scientific (creative)
problem-solving caring process
Creatively using presence of self and all ways of
knowing/multiple ways of Being/doing as part of the
caring process; engaging in artistry of caring-healing practices.
Promotion of
transpersonal teaching-learning
Engaging in genuine teaching-learning experiences that
attend to whole person, their meaning; attempting to
stay within other’s frame of reference.
Provision for a supportive, protective,
and/or corrective mental, social,
spiritual environment
Creating healing environment at all levels
(physical, non-physical, subtle environment of energy
and consciousness whereby wholeness, beauty,
comfort, dignity and peace are potentiated.
Assistance with
gratification of human need
Assisting with basic needs, with an intentional, caring
consciousness of touching and working with
embodied spirit of individual,
honoring unity of Being; allowing for spiritual emergence.
Allowance for
existential-phenomenological
spiritual dimensions
Opening and attending to spiritual-mysterious,
unknown existential dimensions of life-death;
attending to soul care for self and one-being-cared-for.