The alleviation of suffering--the idea of caring

Scand J Caring Sci. 1992;6(2):119-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-6712.1992.tb00134.x.

Abstract

Caring science is seeking a basic category or the primary form of caring, the focus of caring science which includes the meaning of caring. Caring science does not deny the presence of suffering, even though it aims at soundness and health; suffering is the point from which it begins. Not until the patient has come to terms with his suffering can he hope to recover. Suffering is the most important basic category of all caring. It gives caring a unique quality and soundness and is something which all forms of caring aim to alleviate. Real caring is not just an abstract idea, philosophy or ideology, it is concrete work confronting suffering in real situations.

MeSH terms

  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Empathy*
  • Helping Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Models, Psychological
  • Nursing Care / standards*
  • Stress, Psychological / nursing
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*