Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations

Concepts

·         Person :A developing organism that tries to reduce anxiety caused by needs

·         Environment : Existing forces outside the organism and in the context of culture

·         Health : A word symbol that implies forward movement of personality and other ongoing human processes in the direction of creative, constructive, productive, personal and community living.

·         Nursing: A significant therapeutic interpersonal process. It functions cooperatively with other human process that make health possible for individuals in communities 

Roles of nurse

·         Stranger: receives the client in the same way one meets a stranger in other life situations provides an accepting climate that builds trust.

·         Teacher: who imparts knowledge in reference to a need or interest

·         Resource Person : one who provides a specific needed information that aids in the understanding of a problem or new situation

·         Counselors : helps to understand and integrate the meaning of current life circumstances ,provides guidance and encouragement to make changes

·         Surrogate: helps to clarify domains of dependence interdependence and independence and acts on clients behalf as an advocate.

·         Leader : helps client assume maximum responsibility for meeting treatment goals in a mutually satisfying way

Additional Roles include:

1.   Technical expert
2.   Consultant
3.   Health educator
4.   Tutor
5.   Socializing agent
6.   Safety agent
7.   Manager of environment
8.   Mediator
9.   Administrator
10.  Recorder observer
11.  Researcher

Theory of interpersonal relations

·         Proposed by Dr. Hildagard E. Peplau in 1952.

·         sequential and focus on therapeutic relationship

·         uses problem solving techniques for the nurse and patient to collaborate on, with the end purpose of meeting the patients needs

·         uses observation communication and recording as basic tools utilized by nursing

1. Orientation phase

·         Problem defining phase

·         Starts when client meets nurse as stranger

·         Defining problem and deciding type of service needed

·         Client seeks assistance ,conveys needs ,asks questions, shares preconceptions and expectations of past experiences

·         Nurse responds, explains roles to client, helps to identify problems and to use available resources and services

2.      Identification phase

·         Selection of appropriate professional assistance

·         Patient begins to have a feeling of belonging and a capability of dealing with the problem which decreases the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness

3. Exploitation phase

·         Use of professional assistance for problem solving alternatives

·         Advantages of services are used is based on the needs and interests of the patients

·         Individual feels as an integral part of the helping environment

·         They may make minor requests or attention getting techniques

·         The principles of interview techniques must be used in order to explore, understand and adequately deal with the underlying problem

·         Patient may fluctuates on independence

·         Nurse must be aware about the various phases of communication

·         Nurse aids the patient in exploiting all avenues of help and progress is made towards the final step

4. Resolution phase

·         Termination of professional relationship

·         The patients needs have already been met by the collaborative effect of patient and nurse

·         Now they need to terminate their therapeutic relationship and dissolve the links between them.

·         Sometimes may be difficult for both as psychological dependence persists

·         Patient drifts away and breaks bond with nurse and healthier emotional balance is demonstrated and both becomes mature individuals.