Hildegard Peplau is widely regarded as the “mother of psychiatric nursing” for her pioneering work on interpersonal relations and its use in nursing practice. Just like Florence Nightingale, she had a significant impact on modern nursing, particularly in psychiatric and mental health care.
In this article, we will learn about the interpersonal relations theory. But before that…
Who is Hildegard Peplau?
Hildegard Elizabeth Peplau was born September 1, 1909, in Reading, Pennsylvania, United States. She was the second of six children in a German-American household. Peplau’s childhood in the aftermath of World War I greatly influenced her understanding of human suffering and interpersonal conflict.
Her nursing career began after she graduated from the Pottstown Hospital School of Nursing in 1931. She eventually received a Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Psychology from Bennington College in Vermont, followed by a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing from Columbia University in 1947. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Doctorate in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Peplau was an Army Nurse Corps member during World combat II, and her exposure to the psychological effects of combat on soldiers sparked her interest in psychiatric nursing.
Following the war, she worked for the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) and played an important role in building graduate psychiatric nursing programs. Her notion of interpersonal interactions was initially published in 1952 in the book Interpersonal interactions in Nursing.
She peacefully died on March 17 1999 at her home in Sherman Oaks, California.
The Interpersonal Relations Theory
Hildegard Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory views the nurse-patient relationship as the foundation of nursing practice. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the patient in order to promote healing and well-being. She described four sequential phases in this theory.
Phases of the Nurse-Patient Relationship
1. Orientation Phase:
The patient seeks help, and the nurse helps identify the problem while establishing trust, providing information and explanations and answering the patients’’ questions.
2. Identification:
The patient connects with the nurse and starts to feel more capable. The nurse and patient collaborate to solve the stated problem. During this phase, they can select appropriate professional support.
3. Exploitation:
The patient makes use of the available resources to meet their needs. The resources are used based on the needs and interests of the patients as the nurse helps the patient to exploit all avenues of help as positive prognosis is being made.
4. Resolution Phase:
The patient’s needs are met, they no longer need professional help and the relationship is terminated.
Roles of the Nurse
Peplau outlined six roles that a nurse assumes during the therapeutic relationship:
- Stranger
- Resource person
- Teacher
- Leader
- Surrogate
- Counselor
Concepts in the Theory
- Interpersonal Process: The dynamic interaction of the nurse and the patient.
- Therapeutic use of self: Nurses use their personality and communication abilities to form therapeutic alliances.
- Anxiety: Recognized as a major topic in interpersonal connections that nurses must assist patients with.
Assumptions of the Theory
- Nursing is an interpersonal practice that necessitates interaction among two or more people.
- Effective communication is essential for understanding patients’ requirements and promoting their health and well-being.
- Nurses must have a good knowledge foundation in order to solve problems and promote health.
- The connection is collaborative, necessitating active participation by both the nurse and the patient.
Strengths of the Theory
- The theory’s holistic focus on the psychological, social, and emotional elements of treatment makes it particularly applicable to mental health nursing.
- It is versatile and relevant in a variety of nursing contexts, including community health, psychiatric nursing, and long-term care.
- It emphasizes the importance of therapeutic communication, which is still an essential nursing skill.
Weaknesses of the Theory
- Limited Applicability in Acute Settings: The theory may not adequately meet the demands of patients in critical care or emergency situations requiring quick actions.
- Time-consuming: Establishing a therapeutic connection takes time, which may not always be possible in fast-paced healthcare settings.
- Complexity: Nurses with no training in mental health or psychology may find the theory’s psychological basis difficult to understand.
Application in Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing: The theory has a significant impact in psychiatric nursing, where gaining trust and understanding the patient’s emotional state are critical.
- Community Health Nursing helps to engage communities and understand their common needs.
- Chronic Care Management: Nurses can use the stages of the nurse-patient relationship to help guide long-term care plans.
- Patient Education: Peplau’s duties as a teacher and resource person are critical in educating patients about their health issues and empowering them to self-care.
Conclusion
Hildegard Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory maintains a foundation for nursing practice. Its emphasis on therapy connections, communication, and understanding human behavior creates a solid foundation for comprehensive and patient-centered care.
While the theory has limitations in some therapeutic contexts, its merits and applications in mental health and beyond demonstrate its long-term significance in modern nursing. Peplau’s impact continues to inspire nurses to see their work as a combination of art, science, and human involvement.
References
- Agnew, L. R. (1958). Florence Nightingale, statistician. American Journal of Nursing, 58, 644.
- Ashley, J. A. (1976). Hospitals, paternalism, and the role of the nurse. New York: Teachers College Press.
- Beck, D. M. (2010). Expanding our Nightingale horizon: Seven recommendations for 21st century nursing practice. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 28(4), 317–326.