The philosophical assumptions of Watson’s theory of caring are that caring is holistic, universal and spiritual, it is within a shared relationship in which caring and healing occurs (Wills, 2014). The carative factors and the caritas process emphasis those assumptions, they are defined by the Watson Caring Science Institute (2010) and include:
1. Being open to connecting with others in a compassionate meaningful way
2. Being there in the moment, active in the relationship
3. Being aware of one’s own spirituality
4. Work