Final answer:
Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring best supports the concept of caring in nursing practice, which aligns with the feedback received by the nursing department. Watson's theory specifically addresses the nurse-patient relationship and integrates both humanism and scientific knowledge, which is distinct from the general psychological theories of Erikson, Maslow, and Rogers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nursing department focusing on redesigning their practice around the concept of caring would find the theoretical framework of Watson's Theory of Human Caring most supportive. Jean Watson's theory emphasizes the humanistic aspects of nursing combined with scientific knowledge.
Unlike Erikson, Maslow, and Rogers who also contributed significantly to our understanding of human psychology, Watson's theory is specifically tailored towards nursing and healthcare practices. It centers around the relationships between nurse and patient and integrates a holistic approach to patient care, considering both the patient's and nurse's personal growth as essential elements. In addition to this, the theory prioritizes the caring aspect, which the feedback identified as a key element.
Building on the principles of humanistic psychology, as espoused by both Maslow and Rogers, Watson's caring theory extends these ideas into the realm of nursing practice. The attributes of genuine caring in the patient-nurse relationship facilitate healing and respect the individual's dignity. Therefore, while Erikson's psychosocial theory, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, and Roger's person-centered approach to therapy have significantly contributed to psychology and can influence nursing practice, they are not nursing-specific theories like Watson's.