Theoretical and conceptual framework founded in caring sciences

The aim of the course is to provide insight into the importance of selected theoretical and conceptual foundations for research and theory development.

The focus is on theoretical foundations and core concepts in relation to caring sciences, studied from a Nordic and international perspective.

The course is recommended for PhD students in a broad field of social and health sciences, at the University of Stavanger as well as at other universities, both nationally and internationally.

Application deadline: 1 September 2021

Course content

• The course will outline insights into the importance of conceptual clarity and a theoretical framework to quality assurance and evidence during the research process and theory development.
• The course will present various theory models, current research trends and conceptual definitions in relation to various caring science traditions from a Nordic and international perspective, with regard to various caring professions and multidisciplinary research.
• The course will provide knowledge about how to evaluate, account for and justify prior theoretical foundations and the use of core concepts, both in general and in relation to the individual research topic.

Course responsibility

Camilla Koskinen is a professor of caring science at the Department of Caring and Ethics in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Stavanger. Koskinen’s scientific thinking has a basis in caring science, hermeneutics, and qualitative research methods. Research and theory development take place in relation to topics such as ethics, caring, human life, suffering and health in various life situations and health care contexts. She also conducts research in relation to health care educators’ competences, students’ learning and acquisition, and digitalisation.

Venke Ueland is a professor at the Department of Caring and Ethics in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Stavanger. Ueland has a PhD from the Department of Caring Science, Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa. Her further research topics include: the life phenomenon longing, and existential experiences related to obesity. Her previous research explores life after cancer treatment, existential experiences.

Guest lecturers

Kathleen Galvin is a professor of nursing practice at the School of Health Sciences, Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, University of Brighton. Kathleen’s research work spanned phenomenology, philosophy, qualitative research, the arts and humanities in health, action research, multiple methods in service evaluation, public and patient involvement and perspectives, and issues in professional education. She is a researcher in lifeworld theory, and one of the authors of the conceptual framework of dwelling-mobility.

Lena Wiklund Gustin is a professor in caring science at the Division of Caring Sciences in the School of Health, Care and Social Welfare at Mälardalen University. Lena has taught students in caring science, and both her research and teaching mainly concern mental health and psychiatric nursing and qualitative research methods. Her main research interest is in caring science, with a focus on psychiatric care, various aspects of compassion for both self and others, and different aspects of student learning.

Maria Arman is an associate professor at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at Karolinska Institutet. Maria’s research is rooted in caring sciences, and she has a special interest in the ethical and existential issues of caring, as well as the patient’s perspective, experiences, and relief of suffering. The caring perspective in the research entails a theoretical/clinical focus, where the care and patient context consists of the patient’s situation as a patient and human being.