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An analysis of altruism: a concept of caring
Author(s) -
Smith Ann
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
journal of advanced nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1365-2648
pISSN - 0309-2402
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2648.1995.22040785.x
Subject(s) - altruism (biology) , neglect , meaning (existential) , psychology , value (mathematics) , social psychology , sacrifice , empathy , focus (optics) , epistemology , psychotherapist , computer science , philosophy , psychiatry , physics , theology , machine learning , optics
In clinical settings, nurses have observed a conflict within women who are expected to focus on caring for themselves, while their value lies in attending to the needs of others at the sacrifice of self In this concept analysis of altruism, the term is defined and the critical attributes are identified Model, borderline, related and contrary cases illustrate what the concept is and what it is not The meaning of altruism is compared to self‐neglect and co‐dependence, which are two similar concepts The antecedents and consequences of altruism are identified to further refine the critical attributes Implications for research are discussed This is a first step towards developing nursing theory that will give direction for providing more effective care to women within their value system