PURPOSE. To explicate the similarities and differences between the concepts of caring and social support.
METHODS. Qualitative concept comparison.
FINDINGS. Similarities and/or subtle and substantive differences exist between caring and social support. Both concepts are characterized as dynamic interpersonal processes that involve sensitivity. Caring appears to lie within the purview of expert nurse providers, while social support is located primarily within the domain of lay providers. Social support is perfunctory and focused, whereas caring encounters are more intimate and holistic. Caring results in improved mental well-being for both recipients and providers, while improvements in mental health are limited to social support recipients. Unlike social support, physical well-being is an outcome of caring.
CONCLUSIONS. Caring and social support share common attributes and outcomes; however, they appear to be different processes that predominately exist in separate domains. Caring appears to reside within the professional paradigm of nursing, while social support exists primarily within the sphere of lay providers.
IMPLICATIONS. Nurses are encouraged to develop and use well-delineated conceptual frameworks to guide practice and research.
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