Applying Jean Watson’s Theory in Nursing Care for Transgender People

Authors

  • Sara Cristina Lopes Ramos Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal;Hospital Geral, Ortopedia E, Unidade Local de Saúde de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7696-9908
  • Mauro Alexandre Lopes Mota Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Medicina da Comunidade Informação e Decisão em Saúde, Porto, Portugal; Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra (ESEnfC), Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem (UICISA: E); Universidade do Porto, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto, Portugal; Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior de Saúde de Viseu (ESSV), Viseu, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8188-6533
  • Maria Manuela Ferreira Pereira Silva Martins Universidade do Porto, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal; Universidade do Porto, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1527-9940
  • Madalena Cunha Instituto Politécnico de Viseu, Escola Superior de Saúde de Viseu (ESSV), Viseu, Portugal; Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra (ESEnfC), Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem (UICISA: E); Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra, SIGMA – Phi Xi Chapter, Coimbra, Portugal; Universidade do Minho, Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Criança (CIEC-UM), Braga, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0710-9220

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI25.29.40793

Keywords:

nursing, nursing theory, sexual and gender minorities, transgender persons

Abstract

Background: Caring for transgender people requires specific knowledge and practices. Jean Watson’s theory, centered on holistic care and the promotion of inclusive environments, serves as a valuable resource in this context.

Objective: To examine Watson’s theory using Chinn and Kramer’s methodology and describe nursing care for transgender people.

Main topics under analysis: A theoretical-reflective study of Watson’s theory was conducted using Chinn and Kramer’s six-item method: purpose, concepts, definitions, relationships, structure, and assumptions. The critical analysis supports the applicability of the theory to nursing care for transgender people, drawing on Watson’s article that rethinks gender identity as a transformative opportunity for nursing.

Conclusion: Watson’s theory promotes transpersonal and holistic care applicable across multiple settings. Advocating for the use of this theory is essential to reducing discrimination and prejudice in access to healthcare services, while promoting respect for individuality and personal growth through the nurse-patient symbiosis. However, its applicability remains limited by the lack of attention given to the spiritual dimension and a predominant focus on the physical component to the detriment of holistic transpersonal caring.

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Published

2025-11-07

How to Cite

Ramos, S. C. L., Mota, M. A. L., Martins, M. M. F. P. S., & Cunha, M. (2025). Applying Jean Watson’s Theory in Nursing Care for Transgender People. Journal of Nursing Referência, 6(4), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.12707/RVI25.29.40793

Issue

Section

Theoretical Articles/Essays