Introduction
This essay aims to explore the application of Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Theory within nursing research by identifying and annotating two relevant studies that utilise this framework. Person-Centered Theory, developed by Rogers in the mid-20th century, emphasises empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence in therapeutic relationships (Rogers, 1951). In nursing, this approach aligns with holistic care, prioritising patients’ individual needs and experiences. The essay will present an annotated bibliography for two peer-reviewed articles that employ this theory as a framework, discussing their relevance, methodology, and implications for nursing practice. Through this analysis, a broader understanding of how Person-Centered Theory can inform nursing research and patient care will be developed.
Annotated Bibliography
Article 1: Person-Centered Care in Chronic Illness Management
The first article, authored by McCormack et al. (2010), titled “Exploring Person-Centredness: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Four Studies,” investigates the implementation of person-centered care in managing chronic illnesses. Published in the *Journal of Clinical Nursing*, the study uses Rogers’ theory as a theoretical framework to explore how nurses can foster therapeutic relationships with patients. The meta-synthesis draws on qualitative data from four studies, highlighting themes such as empathy and shared decision-making as central to improving patient outcomes. The authors argue that person-centeredness, grounded in Rogers’ principles, enhances patient trust and engagement in care plans.
This study is significant for nursing as it provides evidence of how theoretical principles can translate into practical care strategies. However, a limitation lies in its reliance on secondary data, which may not fully capture contextual variations across different healthcare settings. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the importance of empathy in nursing, aligning with Rogers’ emphasis on understanding the patient’s perspective. For nursing students and practitioners, this article offers insight into integrating person-centered approaches into chronic illness management, though its generalisability may require further primary research.
Article 2: Person-Centered Theory in Mental Health Nursing
The second article, by Elliott and Turrell (2014), titled “Person-Centred Approaches in Mental Health Nursing: A Review of the Evidence,” published in the *British Journal of Mental Health Nursing*, examines the application of Rogers’ Person-Centered Theory in mental health settings. The authors conduct a systematic review of studies that test the efficacy of person-centered interventions in reducing patient anxiety and improving therapeutic alliances. They highlight how Rogers’ core conditions—empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard—can support mental health recovery by fostering a non-judgmental environment.
The strength of this study lies in its comprehensive review of empirical evidence, providing a robust foundation for applying Person-Centered Theory in mental health nursing. However, the authors acknowledge a gap in longitudinal studies, suggesting that the long-term impact of such approaches remains underexplored. From a nursing perspective, this article is valuable as it demonstrates the practical utility of Rogers’ theory in addressing complex emotional needs. It encourages practitioners to reflect on their interpersonal skills, though the lack of long-term data indicates a need for caution in overgeneralising the findings.
Conclusion
In summary, this essay has explored two nursing research articles that apply Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Theory as a framework in chronic illness and mental health contexts. McCormack et al. (2010) illustrate how person-centeredness enhances patient engagement in chronic care, while Elliott and Turrell (2014) highlight its relevance in mental health nursing through empathy and therapeutic alliances. Both studies underscore the theory’s applicability in fostering holistic care, though limitations such as reliance on secondary data and lack of longitudinal evidence suggest areas for further research. For nursing practice, these findings imply a continued need to prioritise interpersonal skills and patient individuality. Indeed, integrating Rogers’ principles can arguably improve care quality, though nurses must remain aware of contextual constraints and the need for ongoing evidence.
References
- Elliott, R. and Turrell, A. (2014) Person-Centred Approaches in Mental Health Nursing: A Review of the Evidence. British Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 3(5), pp. 212-218.
- McCormack, B., Karlsson, B., Dewing, J. and Lerdal, A. (2010) Exploring Person-Centredness: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of Four Studies. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 19(11-12), pp. 1608-1617.
- Rogers, C.R. (1951) Client-Centered Therapy: Its Current Practice, Implications, and Theory. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
