This article is based on a literature study. The purpose of the article is to discuss Janice Morse' theory of suffering in a caring science perspective, and thereby contribute to increased understanding of suffering from both a nursing science and a caring science perspective. The interpretive framework includes Katie Eriksson's theory of suffering and the fundamental ontological assumptions forming the basis of the caring science perspective. The following research questions are posed with regard to the text: What are the most important elements of the theory? What is the theory's field? What is the theory's image of reality? A hermeneutic approach is used as method. The discussion illustrates differences between Morse and Eriksson's theories of suffering with regard to both content and structure. Morse has carried out an extensive scientific work on suffering in the contextual area, while Eriksson has her focus on the ontological area. Each in their own fashion gives us a unique contribution to the discussion and development of knowledge about the phenomenon of suffering.
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