Antecedents to engrossment in Noddings' theory of care.
BACKGROUND: Nel Noddings theorized caring as a universal social process comprised of three phases: engrossment or mental attentiveness, affective engagement or empathy and a mental imperative to act on behalf of another. If Noddings' theory is correct, caring is a learned process. AIM: The goal of this research was to understand the process, particularly engrossment, and to facilitate students' development of caring relationships. DESIGN: This qualitative study of 13 baccalaureate nursing students uncovered six antecedents that facilitated student's engrossment and extends Noddings' theory. CONCLUSION: Further research, to deepen and synthesize understanding of antecedents and their influence on facilitating or inhibiting the caring process, is advocated.