Interpersonal Relations Theory

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS THEORY
Theorist: Hildegard E. Peplau
" The kind of person that the nurse becomes a substantial difference in what
each patient will learn as he or she receives nursing care "
 Hildegard E. Peplau
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
Born: September 1, 1909
Died: March 7, 1999 (Age: 89)
Graduated: 1931
Graduated at: Pottstown, Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing
1943: BS in IP (from Bennington College, Vermon)
1997: MA in PN (from Teacher's College, Columbia, New York
1953: Doctor of Education in Curriculum Development
(from Columbia)
World War II: Army Nurse Corps
: Neuropsychiatric Hospital worker (London, UK)
1951-1960: Featured in the American Journal of Nursing
1952: Published 1st book: " Interpersonal Relations in Nursing "
Award: The Christiane Reimann Prize
& Fellowship: American Academy of Nursing
What is an Interpersonal Relationship?

Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory focuses on the importance of the
nurse-patient relationship in promoting healing, where nurses help patients
become more self-aware and independent through structured, therapeutic
interactions.
NURSE METAPARADIGM
 Nursing: Peplau viewed nursing as an interpersonal,
therapeutic process.
 Person: Peplau defined "person" as an individual within a system,
whose stability relies on a balance of physical and emotional health.
 Health: seen as a dynamic process involving the growth and movement
of a person toward constructive and productive living.
 Environment: Peplau described the environment as the social and
cultural context surrounding an individual.
NURSING ROLES
Stranger: Nurses and clients are strangers.
Resource Person: The nurse provides the client with specific answers
and health information.
Teaching Role: The nurse helps the client understand self-care and the
therapeutic plan.
Leadership Role: The client is encouraged to participate in decisions
about their care.
Surrogate Role: The client may see the nurse as a temporary caregiver.
Counseling Role: Building a strong, empathetic relationship
PHASES
Orientation: Nurse and patient meet, build trust, and understand each other’s
roles.
Identification: Patient shares their needs, and the nurse works with them to
set goals for improvement.
Exploitation: Patient uses the nurse’s support and resources to work toward
these goals.
Resolution: Patient’s needs are met, and they’re ready to manage on their
own, ending the nurse-patient relationship.
INTERPERSONAL AND NURSING PRACTICES
ACCEPTANCE BY THE NURSING THEORY
Practice: Peplau's ideas faced resistance in the nursing community.
Education: Her book Interpersonal Relations in Nursing (1951) became a
guide for nursing students.
Research: Peplau’s theory shifted nursing research to focus on patient
interaction.
Legacy: Peplau’s contributions helped integrate psychology into nursing
THEORY ANALYSIS
Clarity: The concept of the nurse-patient relationship is enough for
understanding the Theory.
Simplicity: Clear, understandable, and structured around the Four Phases of
Nurse-Patient Relationship.
Generality: This can be applied across various clinical settings.
Accessibility: Peplau's theory is grounded in reality and can be
tested through observation.
Importance: Influential in nursing practice, education, and research, marking
a significant shift in the field.
SUMMARY
Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory
Main Idea: Nursing isn’t just about treating physical problems; it’s
about building a relationship with patients to support their mental and
emotional health.
Purpose: Helps nurses connect with patients to better understand and meet
their needs.
SUMMARY
Orientation: Nurse and patient meet, build trust, and understand each other’s
roles.
Identification: Patient shares their needs, and the nurse works with them to
set goals for improvement.
Exploitation: The patient uses the nurse’s support and resources to work
toward
these goals.
Resolution: The patient’s needs are met, and they’re ready to manage on
their own, ending the nurse-patient relationship.
Impact on Nursing:
1. Changed nursing to focus more on understanding and supporting the
patient as a whole person.
2. It is especially helpful in mental health care, where building trust and
understanding is crucial.
 Legacy: Influenced nursing to include more compassionate,

relationship-centered care.

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INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS THEORY

Theorist: Hildegard E. Peplau

What is an Interpersonal Relationship?

 Legacy: Influenced nursing to include more compassionate,

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