Caring Science as Embodied Wisdom: Balancing Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Extrapersonal Factors
Other Titles
Global Nursing Leadership Through the Balance Theory of Wisdom: Represent, Reflect, Respect, Respond [Symposium Title]
Other Titles
Symposium Presentation
Abstract
The intersection of caring science and the balance theory of wisdom reveals profound connections between therapeutic practice and theoretical frameworks of human understanding. We examine how caring science inherently encompasses explicit knowledge—systematic, teachable aspects of healthcare—and tacit knowledge—intuitive, experience-based understanding practitioners develop over time. Exploring these knowledge domains with the lens of the balance theory of wisdom aligns caring science with the theory's core principles of balancing multiple interests, adapting to environmental contexts, and pursuing the common good (1).
Practicing through the lens of caring science implicitly aligns with wisdom-based decision-making by balancing intrapersonal (self), interpersonal (others), and extrapersonal (institutional) interests in daily practice. We use a nursing practice exemplar to show how the tacit knowledge developed in caring relationships—including intuitive understanding of patient needs, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence—mirrors the adaptive expertise emphasized in the balance theory of wisdom. We explore the explicit knowledge base of caring science, including theoretical frameworks and evidence-informed practices, in providing the foundation for wise decision-making in healthcare settings. Leadership builds on skills of influence and relationships defined in caring science: caring for self and others acting from universal values of kindness, concern, love for self and others, and respect for diversity and individuality of each person, deepening one’s connection to what it is to be human, generating renewal and energy (2). Caring science embodies wisdom theory by integrating complex knowledge in practice, while the balance theory of wisdom offers a theoretical framework for understanding this integration. These complementary perspectives have important implications for education and practice illustrated in the Sigma call to action.
(1) Pesut, D. (2015). Avoiding derailment: Leadership strategies for identity, reputation, and legacy management. In Leadership & nursing contemporary perspectives (pp. 251-261). Elsevier Churchill Livingston.
(2) Freshwater, D., Horton-Deutsch, S. & Sherwood, G. (2024). Reimagining Ourselves: The role of reflection on critical caritas consciousness and knowledge development. In S. Horton-Deutsch & G. Sherwood (Eds) Reflective Practice: Reimagining Ourselves, Reimagining Nursing. 3rd Ed. Sigma Theta Tau Press. Pp.3-18
Notes
References:
Freshwater, D., Horton-Deutsch, S. & Sherwood, G. (2024). Reimagining Ourselves: The role of reflection on critical caritas consciousness and knowledge development. In S. Horton-Deutsch & G. Sherwood (Eds) Reflective Practice: Reimagining Ourselves, Reimagining Nursing. 3rd Ed. Sigma Theta Tau Press. Pp.3-18
Sherwood, G. & Horton-Deutsch, S. (2024). Reimagining reflection to develop and sustain personal and professional practice. In S. Horton-Deutsch & G. Sherwood (Eds) Reflective Practice: Reimagining Ourselves, Reimagining Nursing. 3rd Ed. Sigma Theta Tau Press. Pp. 19-42.
Horton-Deutsch, S. & Sherwood, G. (Eds.) (2023). Re-Imagining Reflective Practice Learning Guide and Journal, Companion: Reflective Practice: Reimagining Ourselves, Reimagining Nursing. Sigma Theta Tau Press.
Linderman, A., Pesut, D., & Disch, J. (2015). Sense making and knowledge transfer: Capturing the knowledge and wisdom of nursing leaders. Journal of Professional Nursing, 31(4), 290-297.
Pesut, D. (2015). Avoiding derailment: Leadership strategies for identity, reputation, and legacy management. In Leadership & nursing contemporary perspectives (pp. 251-261). ElsevierChurchill Livingston.
Watson, J. (2016). Human caring literacy. In S. Lee, P. Palmieri & J. Watson (Eds.). Global advances in human caring literacy (pp. 3[nd]20). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Wei, H., & Horton-Deutsch, S. (2022). Visionary Leadership in Healthcare. Sigma Theta Tau Press.
Sigma Membership
Beta Gamma
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Expert Opinion (nationally/internationally recognized)
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Global Leadership, Workforce, Mentoring and Coaching, Leadership, Leadership Initiatives, Wisdom, Caring, Caritas, Caring Science
Recommended Citation
Horton-Deutsch, Sara, "Caring Science as Embodied Wisdom: Balancing Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Extrapersonal Factors" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 245.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/245
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-11
Caring Science as Embodied Wisdom: Balancing Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Extrapersonal Factors
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
The intersection of caring science and the balance theory of wisdom reveals profound connections between therapeutic practice and theoretical frameworks of human understanding. We examine how caring science inherently encompasses explicit knowledge—systematic, teachable aspects of healthcare—and tacit knowledge—intuitive, experience-based understanding practitioners develop over time. Exploring these knowledge domains with the lens of the balance theory of wisdom aligns caring science with the theory's core principles of balancing multiple interests, adapting to environmental contexts, and pursuing the common good (1).
Practicing through the lens of caring science implicitly aligns with wisdom-based decision-making by balancing intrapersonal (self), interpersonal (others), and extrapersonal (institutional) interests in daily practice. We use a nursing practice exemplar to show how the tacit knowledge developed in caring relationships—including intuitive understanding of patient needs, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence—mirrors the adaptive expertise emphasized in the balance theory of wisdom. We explore the explicit knowledge base of caring science, including theoretical frameworks and evidence-informed practices, in providing the foundation for wise decision-making in healthcare settings. Leadership builds on skills of influence and relationships defined in caring science: caring for self and others acting from universal values of kindness, concern, love for self and others, and respect for diversity and individuality of each person, deepening one’s connection to what it is to be human, generating renewal and energy (2). Caring science embodies wisdom theory by integrating complex knowledge in practice, while the balance theory of wisdom offers a theoretical framework for understanding this integration. These complementary perspectives have important implications for education and practice illustrated in the Sigma call to action.
(1) Pesut, D. (2015). Avoiding derailment: Leadership strategies for identity, reputation, and legacy management. In Leadership & nursing contemporary perspectives (pp. 251-261). Elsevier Churchill Livingston.
(2) Freshwater, D., Horton-Deutsch, S. & Sherwood, G. (2024). Reimagining Ourselves: The role of reflection on critical caritas consciousness and knowledge development. In S. Horton-Deutsch & G. Sherwood (Eds) Reflective Practice: Reimagining Ourselves, Reimagining Nursing. 3rd Ed. Sigma Theta Tau Press. Pp.3-18
Description
Overall Symposium Summary: Three presentations apply the Balance Theory of Wisdom framing intelligence, creativity, and knowledge work for balancing intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extra-personal needs and respecting values shaping the environment: 1) Ways the balance theory of wisdom develops values-based leadership, 2) How explicit and tacit knowledge defining caring science are embodied in the balance theory of wisdom, 3) Collectively responding to overarching reflective questions recreating nursing's global future.
Note: The attached slide deck is a combined symposium presentation containing the slides of all featured symposium speakers.
To locate the other presentations in this symposium, search the repository by the Symposium Title shown in the Other Title field of this item record.