RT Article
T1 A critical evaluation of the theory and practice of therapeutic touch
JF Nursing philosophy
VO 3
IS 2
SP 163
OP 176
A1 O'Mathúna, Dónal P.
A1 Pryjmachuk, Steven
A1 Spencer, Wayne
A1 Stanwick, Michael
A1 Matthiesen, Stephen
A2 Pryjmachuk, Steven
A2 Spencer, Wayne
A2 Stanwick, Michael
A2 Matthiesen, Stephen
LA English
YR 2002
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1926071514
AB In this paper, the theory and practice of therapeutic touch (TT) is scrutinized from a number of perspectives. Firstly, the alleged close relationship between TT and Martha Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings is evaluated. Secondly, the employment of the language of modern physics in Rogers’ theory and TT is critically examined. The authors then review the research literature on TT's efficacy, completing their critique by discussing the ethical issues involved in the practice of TT. As each of the perspectives considered reveals some concerns, the paper concludes that TT is a questionable intervention, underpinned by a very weak theoretical, clinical and research base.
K1 Science of Unitary Human Beings
K1 Complementary Therapies
K1 ethical issues in nursing
K1 evidence-based practice
K1 quantum physics
K1 therapeutic touch
DO 10.1046/j.1466-769X.2002.00089.x