Hildegard Peplau (Interpersonal Relations Theory)

• When did Hildegard Peplau die?

  December 4, 2007.
• How did Hildegard Peplau define nursing?

  As an interpersonal process of therapeutic interactions between a sick individual and a nurse.
• What was revolutionary about Peplau's emphasis on nurse-client relationships?

  It highlighted the importance of the give-and-take in nurse-client relationships.
• What are the four phases of the nurse-patient relationship according to Peplau?

  Orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution.
• What are the contributions of Hildegard Peplau to nursing?

  • First published nursing theorist in a century since Nightingale
  • Created the nursing middle-range theory of Interpersonal Relations
  • Revolutionized scholarly work of nurses
  • Contributor to mental health laws/reform
• When was Hildegard Peplau born?

  September 1, 1909.
• What historical events influenced Peplau's youth?

  WWI and the great flu epidemic ended in 1918.
• What was the state of nursing education during Peplau's time?

  Nursing education was controlled by hospitals, and formal book learning was discouraged.
• What degrees did Peplau earn after her nursing diploma?

  BA in Psychology, MA in Psychiatric Nursing, and Ed.D. in Nursing Education.
• What was Peplau's vision for nursing interactions?

  To provide humane treatment, dignity, respect, and healing discussion.
• What is the purpose of Peplau's framework in nursing?

  To improve the interpersonal relationship between nurses and patients and enhance nursing education quality.
• What does Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory emphasize?

  The importance of the nurse's understanding of their own behaviors to help patients.
• How does Peplau's theory view the nurse-patient relationship?

  As a therapeutic process that is both interpersonal and dynamic.
• What are the phases of the nurse-patient relationship?

  1. Orientation Phase

  • Get acquainted, establish trust and boundaries.

  1. Identification Phase

  • Client identifies problems and takes responsibility.

  1. Exploitation Phase

  • Client utilizes nursing services fully.

  1. Resolution Phase

  • Mutual termination of relationship, increased self-reliance.
• How does Peplau define human beings in her theory?

  As organisms striving to reduce tension generated by needs.
• How does Peplau define health?

  As a forward movement of personality and ongoing human processes towards productive living.
• What limitation does Peplau's theory have regarding society?

  It has a narrow perception of the environment and does not consider many factors affecting the patient.
• What does Peplau consider nursing to be?

  A significant therapeutic, interpersonal process that cooperates with others to make health possible.
• What roles does a nurse assume in the nurse-patient relationship?

  Stranger, resource, teaching, counseling, surrogate, active leadership, and technical expert roles.
• What are the additional roles of a nurse in the nurse-patient relationship?

  1. Technical expert
  2. Consultant
  3. Health teacher
  4. Tutor
  5. Socializing agent
  6. Safety agent
  7. Manager of environment
  8. Mediator
  9. Administrator

  10. Recorder observer

  11. Researcher
• What factors affect the nurse-patient relationship?

  Needs, interference, and physiological dysfunction.
• How do needs create tension in the nurse-patient relationship?

  Unmet needs can lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration.
• What are the possible responses to repeated frustrations in the nurse-patient relationship?

  Dependent, exaggerated independence, or denial of illness.
• How can nurses facilitate frustration in patients?

  By helping patients vary their goals and allowing them to communicate their aggression.
• How can a nurse identify opposing goals in a patient?

  By observing hesitation and inability to decide.
• What should a nurse do when faced with a patient's unexplained discomfort?

  The nurse should listen to the patient and interpret the issue.
• Why is self-awareness important for nurses?

  It helps identify the cause of discomfort and plan to achieve goals.
• What are the strengths of Peplau's theory?

  Its applicability and essential role in a strong nurse-patient relationship.
• What are the weaknesses of Peplau's theory?

  It does not consider personal space and lacks emphasis on health promotion.