Abstract
Spirituality is important when caring for the whole human being. Earlier research found Love in connectedness to be a core category in spirituality. The study aim is to deepen our understanding of Love in connectedness, and contribute to the theoretical knowledge development of the concept of spirituality from a caring science perspective. The method was a review of 20 research articles concerning connectedness and love, which were interpreted through a Gadamerian-based hermeneutical approach. Emerging themes were three forms of connectedness, compassion, and the risk of losing love in caring for the patient. In addition, we reflected on love and ethics, based on the writings of Tillich. According to Tillich, love is a drive toward unity of the separated. This drive can be seen in both connectedness with others, in connectedness with something larger than oneself, and may indirectly apply to connectedness with oneself. We find that both connectedness and love are key concepts in caring for the patient.
Highlights
Theory development should be the overall purpose when conducting qualitative nursing research (Bunkers, 2012). Eriksson (2010b) points to the paradigmatic shift in the 1970s, toward the development of nursing knowledge and caring science based on a human science way of thinking
We portray findings regarding connectedness and love through reflective summaries, and we reflect on the findings in light of Tillich’s view of love
We reflect on how Love in connectedness may deepen our understanding of human spirituality, in relation to patient care
Summary
Theory development should be the overall purpose when conducting qualitative nursing research (Bunkers, 2012). Eriksson (2010b) points to the paradigmatic shift in the 1970s, toward the development of nursing knowledge and caring science based on a human science way of thinking. The humanistic-oriented thinking gave caring science a new significance in the search for the core of caring, and fostered the development of fundamental concepts and theory to bring to light knowledge that may help the patients in an increasingly complex world (Eriksson, 2002, 2010a). It is essential in caring to include the spiritual dimension so that the patient may feel whole as a human being, and this may be viewed as a premise for dignity and health (Eriksson, 2002; Lindström et al, 2010). Earlier research in light of caring science found Love in connectedness to be a core category in spirituality (Rykkje, Eriksson, & Råholm, 2011). The study aim is to deepen our understanding of Love in connectedness, and thereby to contribute to the theoretical knowledge development of the concept of spirituality from a caring science perspective
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