Peplaus Interpersonal Relations Theory

Candace Creese Wilmington University

Hildegard E. Peplaus
Interpersonal Relations in Nursing

Theory was published in 1953 Framework for psychodynamic nursing Theory was influenced by Harry Stack Sullivans theory of interpersonal relations. Middle range, descriptive, classification theory

Interpersonal Relations in Nursing Theory

Stresses the importance of nurses ability to understand their own behaviors to help others identify perceived difficulties. Emphasizes the focus on the interpersonal processes and therapeutic relationship that develops between the nurse and client. Four phases of the nurse-patient relationship are identified Six primary roles of the nurse Six secondary roles of the nurse

4 Phases of nurse-patient relationship

Orientation-client seeking assistance, meeting of nursepatient, identifying the problem and services needed ( interview process), and guidance. Identificationidentifying who is best to support needs, patient addresses personal feelings about the experience and is encouraged to participate in care to promote personal

Phases cont.
Exploitation- patient attempts to explore, understand and deal with the problem, and gains independence on achieving the goal Resolution- termination of the therapeutic relationship to encourage emotional balance for nurse and patient ( difficult for both patient and nurse as psychological dependence persists)

Roles of Nurses
Primary Stranger Teacher Resource person Counselor Surrogate Leader Secondary Technical expert Mediator Safety agent Researcher Tutor Manager of environment

Application of Interpersonal Theory in Nursing Practice

An article in Current Nursing evaluated using the theory in nursing practice
Assessment= Orientation phase Nursing diagnosis Planning=Identification phase Implementing=Exploitation phase Evaluation=Resolution phase (the theory allowed clients needs to be assessed. Application of the theory helped provide comprehensive care to the client)

Research completed
Urology Nursing used the theory to educate newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients with the need for a urinary diversion, and ensure understanding.
Outcome shows that the scope of a patients needs requires a competent nurse to assume the changing roles in the four phases of the theory, expressing the importance of involving the patient in establishing goals and reviewing

Research completed
British Journal of Nursing had an article researching the credibility of Peplaus theory, in mental health care, due to the expansion of nursing knowledge and the dynamics of a multidisciplinary team currently used in todays practice. Public Health Nursing did a study, in homecare visits, (testing the use of Peplaus theory) to work with multi-problem families, to identify interventions, individualized for the members, to see if relationship progression was increased within the family system resulting in optimized care of the patient.

Application of theory in MY nursing practice

This theory would be useful with our newly diagnosed cancer patients and their family. Resistance is met when trying to educate them about the treatment, encouraging enrolment in studies, and education about how to care for the patient in their home setting.
Orientation-patient gets admitted to the unit, nurse helps the patient to recognize and understand that they have cancer and the importance of treatment. Identification-Patient takes the time to internalize the diagnosis, the nurse participates in helping the patient to do so. -- Exploitation-the nurse works to have the patient explore what help is needed to meet goals, incorporating other disciplines to problem solve (oncologists, therapists, alternative medicine, etc.).Patient test the limits of the nurses availability, and the nurse encourages patient to evaluate ways to meet their final goals. -- Resolution-when in-patient treatment is complete, the nurse has to evaluate feelings and remove themselves from the bond that is made, allowing the patient and family to move on and regain balance in their own lives.