title: Types and meanings of caring behaviors among elderly nursing home residents.
abstract: This grounded theory study explored and described the types and meanings of caring behaviors engaged in by elderly nursing home residents. Data were derived from observation of participants and in-depth interviews with residents in one nursing home during a three-month period. One of two substantive theories--a categorical model of the various types of caring behaviors residents engaged in--is discussed. Engagement in caring behaviors was found to be a universally important means for residents to maintain their esteem, self-identity and continuation of personhood. The properties of caring which emerged included protecting, supporting, confirming and transcending.
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Hutchison
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Bahr
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support