The utility of self-care theory as a theoretical basis for self-neglect

Aim. This paper sets out to explore the utility of self-care theory in unde rstanding self-neglect. Further theoretical development of both self-care a nd self-neglect theory and attending core concepts is an important objectiv e. Background. The notions of self-neglect and self-care are frequently linked in the literature. The relationship between self-neglect and self-care is not clear and the strengths and limitations in using self-care theory to fa cilitate a greater understanding of self-neglect will be addressed. Specifi cally the issues of self-care agency, self-care requisites, objectivity, cl ass and culture, and lifestyle choice will be critically evaluated in the c ontext of self-neglect theory. Conclusion. Self-care theory has a useful role to play in furthering our un derstanding of self-neglect. Self-care theory is able to explain some aspec ts of self-neglect but not others, although this may be a reflection of the relatively underdeveloped state of self-care theories or alternatively may reflect a more fundamental limitation in our ability to fully explain huma n behaviour.