Redefining Comfort: A Philosophical Exploration of Kolcaba's Theory Through Buddhist Perspectives

This philosophical exploration addresses the limitations of Kolcaba's model, which conceptualizes comfort as situational relief and posits an enduring and ethically grounded understanding of comfort. Previous studies in healthcare underscore comfort as an immediate intervention to alleviate discomfort, yet philosophical perspectives suggest a broader form of comfort. This exploration aims to bridge this gap by integrating Kolcaba's theory with Buddhist concepts, specifically examining mindfulness, non-attachment, and compassion as pathways to a stable, holistic state of comfort. Through a philosophical exploration, this analysis demonstrates that comfort can be expanded from situational alleviation to a sustained state of inner peace. The findings reveal new dimensions of comfort that redefine comfort as a multidimensional experience. These insights carry significant implications, suggesting that a holistic model of comfort could enhance approaches to patient care and extend the conceptual understanding of comfort beyond temporary relief to a profound and enduring sense of well-being.