A critical evaluation of the theory and practice of therapeutic touch.

DP O'Mathuna; S Pryjmachuk; W Spencer; M Stanwick; S. Matthiesen

doi:10.1046/j.1466-769X.2002.00089.x

A critical evaluation of the theory and practice of therapeutic touch.

DP O'Mathuna, S Pryjmachuk, W Spencer, M Stanwick, S. Matthiesen

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	163-176
Journal	Nursing Philosophy
Volume	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1466-769X.2002.00089.x
Publication status	Published - 2002

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title = "A critical evaluation of the theory and practice of therapeutic touch.",

abstract = "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.",

author = "DP O'Mathuna and S Pryjmachuk and W Spencer and M Stanwick and S. Matthiesen",

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AU - Stanwick, M

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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.

U2 - 10.1046/j.1466-769X.2002.00089.x

DO - 10.1046/j.1466-769X.2002.00089.x

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SP - 163

EP - 176

JO - Nursing Philosophy

JF - Nursing Philosophy

ER -

A critical evaluation of the theory and practice of therapeutic touch.

Abstract

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