Theory of Interpersonal Relations Term Paper
Discussion post – this should be a 1 page discussion using 2 PEER REVIEWED references. This should be able to pass Turnitin and Grammarly, including AI checks. Thank you!
Prompt:
How do you think your own nursing philosophy and experiences will continue to evolve and refine through this program and your future in nursing?
GUIDELINES
- Your initial post is the response to the prompt.
- You must have at least 2 references for the initial post. The references must be peer reviewed sources.
- The initial post is due by 23:59 (CST) Wednesday of Week 3. Theory of Interpersonal Relations Term Paper
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Nursing theories are concept frameworks developed to guide nursing practice, define nursing as a unique discipline, and explain what nurses do and why they do it. Various nursing theories have been developed across the nursing field. These theories had distinctive concepts that formed the foundation of nursing knowledge and practice. One of the foundational theories in nursing is the theory of interpersonal relations. This paper describes Hildegard Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations based on its origin, scope/level, significant concepts, interrelations, and concepts of interest to me.
Theory Description
The theory of interpersonal relations was developed by Hildegard Peplau in 1952, influenced by psychology, sociology, and her own experiences in psychiatric nursing. Peplau’s theory stipulates that nursing is an interpersonal process involving the interaction between two or more individuals with a common goal (Peplau, 1952). It shifted the focus of nursing from just completing nursing tasks to a relational and communicative process. In addition, the theory posits that the nurse-patient relationship is vital for facilitating healing, growth, and patient understanding.
Origin of the Theory
Hildegard Peplau developed the theory of interpersonal relations primarily based on her experiences in psychiatry nursing and her observations on nurse-patient interactions. The theory was also influenced by Harry Stack Sullivan’s psychoanalytic theory, which emphasized the role of interpersonal relations in mental health. Peplau also interacted with prominent figures while working at Chestnut Lodge, hence her deep understanding of the dynamics of nurse-patient relations (Peplau, 1997). Therefore, based on the teaching and practice in psychiatric nursing, Peplau developed the theory to clarify what happens in a nurse-patient relationship.
Theory Scope/Level and Relation to the Concepts of Interest
The theory of interpersonal relations is a middle-range theory since it is narrower in scope. It focuses on nurse-patient relations, a particular phenomenon within nursing. One of my concepts of interest in the theory is developing therapeutic relationships with patients. Nurses must develop therapeutic relationships with their patients to promote trust, openness, collaboration, and adherence to treatment plans (Forchuk, 2021). The theory of interpersonal relations guides establishing and maintaining therapeutic relations with the patient, thus applicable across nursing, specifically mental health nursing.
Major Theory Concepts and Propositions
Peplau defined nursing as an interpersonal process, often a therapeutic one, involving a human in need of healthcare services (the patient) and a nurse who is educated to recognize and respond to the patient’s need for help (Peplau, 1997). Therefore, the nursing process entails forming and utilizing the therapeutic relationship. The theory’s major concepts entail the phases of the nurse-patient relationship and the key roles of the nurse. Theory of Interpersonal Relations Term Paper
According to Peplau (1997), the structure of a nurse-patient relationship has three primary phases: orientation, working, and termination. The orientation phase refers to the initial interaction between the nurse and the patient, whereby the two become more acquainted and attempt to establish trust after the nurse has assessed the situation. In this phase, the nurse begins to understand the patient’s needs and concerns through interview, history taking and assessment as required. During the working phase, the nurse-patient relationship develops, focusing on the patient’s reaction to illness, what needs to be done to understand the current health condition, and what should be done (Peplau, 1997). The third phase, termination, entails summarizing and providing closure of the work accomplished by the interaction. Termination is arrived at gradually as the patient becomes more independent.
Furthermore, the theory identifies six significant roles for nurses: stranger, teacher, resource person, counselor, surrogate, and leader (Peplau, 1952). At the beginning of the relationship, the nurse is initially a stranger to the patient. Later, the nurse educates patients about their health and provides specific information regarding their health condition questions. The nurse also assists the patient in understanding their feelings and problems and directs them to take responsibility. More so, the nurse acts as an advocate for the patient’s needs. Theory of Interpersonal Relations Term Paper
The nurse-patient interaction phases and the nurse’s key roles are interconnected and build upon each other. Peplau (1952) notes that the nurse employs the key roles to build the therapeutic relationship throughout the phases. For instance, during the orientation phase, the nurse teaches the patient and provides information about the health condition to build trust and openness. In addition, each phase requires the nurse to demonstrate a different role. For example, the nurse demonstrates the leadership role of directing patients toward resolving their health condition.
Theoretical Concepts Definition
As mentioned earlier, the nurse-patient relationship is my concept of interest. Theoretically, a nurse-patient relationship is a therapeutic interaction between a sick individual or an individual requiring healthcare help and a nurse, a care provider trained and educated to provide the needed help (Peplau, 1997). The interaction entails a goal-oriented process aimed at meeting the patient’s needs. Another concept is the nurse’s role as a teacher, which means the nurse must impart knowledge on the patient’s illness, treatment options, and care plan, empowering them to make informed decisions to promote their health and well-being.
Conclusion
Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations provides a practical perspective for nurse-patient relationships. It provides a practical way of ensuring these therapeutic relationships aim at meeting the common goal of improving the patient’s health. The theory’s major concepts include the phases of the nurse-patient relationship and the critical roles of the nurse in the process. The theory is widely applied across the nursing discipline to support meaningful interactions between nurses and their patients. Theory of Interpersonal Relations Term Paper
References
Forchuk, C. (2021). Overview of Peplau’s Theory. In From Therapeutic Relationships to Transitional Care (pp. 3–15). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003000853-21/
Peplau, H. E. (1952). Interpersonal relations in nursing. (Eds.). AJN The American Journal of Nursing, 52(6), 765. editions: ISBN1349101095
Peplau, H. E. (1997). Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations. Nursing Science Quarterly, 10(4), 162–167. https://doi.org/10.1177/089431849701000407 Theory of Interpersonal Relations Term Paper
