Interpersonal relationships

Interpersonal relationships are the relationships that people have with each other. These relationships can be between family members, friends, co-workers, or strangers. The interpersonal theory by Harry Stack Sullivan is founded on the belief that interaction between people provides a sense of security, self, and the dynamism for motivating behavior. The type of relationships that people have can vary greatly. However, all involve a common goal: communication, interaction, and emotional connection. Nurses are uniquely positioned to develop strong, meaningful relationships with their patients. These relationships are built on trust and can profoundly impact the patient’s quality of care. Nurses who can develop strong relationships with their patients often find that they are more compliant with their treatment regimens and are more likely to have better health outcomes.

Additionally, patients with solid relationships with their nurses are often more satisfied with their care. They are more likely to recommend their nurse to others. Building strong relationships with patients is essential to being a successful nurse. They become capable of dealing with the problem, which decreases the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. By getting to know their patients and understanding their needs, nurses can provide the best possible care and make a real difference in the lives of those they serve.

Two predominant interpersonal models in psychiatric nursing

Within psychiatric nursing, two predominant interpersonal models guide care: the medical and therapeutic models. Each of these models has its own unique set of assumptions, principles, and techniques that can be used to promote healing and recovery in patients. The medical model is based on the philosophy that mental illness is a physical disorder that can be diagnosed and treated using medical interventions. This model focuses on symptom relief and aims to restore the patient to their pre-illness state. In contrast, the therapeutic model is based on the philosophy that mental illness results from imbalances in the mind and emotions. Unlike in the past, when health promotion and maintenance were less emphasized, this model focuses on promoting balance and well-being through psychotherapy, expressive therapies, and medication management. Some patients respond well to the medical model, while others succeed more with the therapeutic model. Ultimately, the best approach is the one that works best for the individual patient.

Hildegard E. Peplau is considered one of the most influential figures in psychiatric nursing. Peplau was a nursing theorist who developed a unique nursing theory known as the interpersonal relations theory. The theory was influenced by Henry Stack Sullivan, Percival Symonds, Abraham Maslow, and Neal Elger Miller. This theory focuses on the nurse-patient relationship and how it can be used to promote healing. Peplau’s theory is based on the belief that nursing is a helping profession and that the nurse-patient relationship is a key part of this. Interpersonal relations is a middle-range theory that is testable, limited, and specific. The theory also highlights the importance of communication in this nurse-patient relationship. It has been very influential in nursing and has helped shape how nurses view and interact with their patients. Peplau believed that nurses required interpersonal competencies to assist patients in regaining their health and well-being. The competencies depend on the ability of the nurses to understand their behaviors. This means that nurses need to feel the feelings of others whether they are communicating verbally or nonverbally (mostly anxiety or panic). It will help nurses integrate their feelings and self-awareness to help others identify their problems. They will also develop plans initiated toward achieving mutually set goals for the well-being of patients.

Stages of the interpersonal process as described by Hildegard Peplau

The interpersonal process is a series of stages people go through when interacting with others. Hildegard Peplau first described this process as a leading figure in psychiatric nursing. The stages of the interpersonal process are;

Orientation: The orientation stage of the interpersonal process is the first stage in which the nurse and patient get to know each other. During this stage, the nurse establishes rapport with the patient and collects data about the patient’s condition. This stage is important because it sets the foundation for the nurse-patient relationship and allows the nurse to assess the patient’s needs. The nurse will use her knowledge about influencing factors to account for the patient’s previous experiences, culture, values, beliefs, and expectations. The nurse also assesses themself to determine how these factors may influence patient relationships.

Identification: In this stage, the nurse and patient get to know each other and establish a rapport. The nurse also assesses the patient’s needs and determines how best to meet those needs. This stage is important because it sets the foundation for the rest of the nurse-patient relationship. The nurse identifies the knowledge and skills that he or she can provide in nursing care. In collaboration, the patient and nurse develop mutual goals and work together to address the patient’s needs while considering the exploration and expression of the patient’s feelings.

Exploitation: The exploitation phase occurs when the nurse and patient work together to achieve a goal. The nurse uses her knowledge and expertise to help the patient reach his or her full potential. The nurse may need to provide support and guidance to the patient. The patient may also need to be encouraged to take risks and explore new ideas. This is a vital stage in the nursing process, as the patient is responsible for achieving his or her health goals.

Resolution: The resolution stage is when the nurse and patient work together to find a solution to the problem at hand. Through collaboration between the nurse and the patient, needs have been met. The patient becomes independent and can set new goals. This stage is characterized by open communication, mutual respect, and a shared goal of finding a resolution. It can be seen as the culmination of the previous stages of the process, as it is only through effective communication and a working relationship that a resolution can be found.

Six roles that nurses may assume during Peplau’s interpersonal process

Nurses may assume six roles during the interpersonal process to help patients achieve their goals. These roles are stranger, teacher, counselor, collaborator, leader, and friend. As a stranger, the nurse is new to the patient and is not yet aware of their individual needs. The nurse must establish trust and rapport before moving to other roles. As a teacher, the nurse provides information and education to the patient to help them better understand their condition. The nurse may also teach the patient how to manage their condition and care for themselves. As a counselor, the nurse helps the patient explore their feelings and emotions surrounding their condition. The nurse provides support and guidance as the patient works through their issues. This involves linking human relations to the problems patients experience. As a collaborator, the nurse applies principles of human relations and works with the patient to develop a care plan. The nurse and patient collaborate to set goals and decide the best treatment course. As a leader, the nurse provides direction and guidance to the patient as they work towards their goals. The nurse may also help the patient to overcome obstacles and challenges along the way. As a friend, the nurse provides support and companionship to the patient. The nurse is someone the patient can rely on and will be there for them during their time of need.

Correlation between Peplau’s stages of the interpersonal process with the nursing process

Peplau’s stages of the interpersonal process have been found to correlate with the steps of the nursing process. This correlation provides a framework for nurses to understand and apply the interpersonal process to their practice. Orientation is characterized by mistrust and anxiety. This stage corresponds to the first step of the nursing process, assessment. In the assessment phase, nurses gather information about the patient’s condition and assess the patient’s needs. Identification is characterized by trust and mutuality. This stage corresponds to the second step of the nursing process, diagnosis. In the diagnosis phase, nurses use the information gathered in the assessment phase to plan the patient’s care. Exploitation is characterized by power and control. This stage corresponds to the third step of the nursing process, implementation. In the implementation phase, nurses carry out the plan of care for the patient. Resolution is characterized by peace and satisfaction. This stage corresponds to the fourth step of the nursing process, evaluation. In the evaluation phase, nurses assess the outcomes of care for the patient and make adjustments to the plan of care as needed.

Application of Peplau’s Theory in Nursing

The PEPLAU theory of interpersonal relations has been widely used in nursing. The main premise of the theory is that the nurse-patient relationship is therapeutic. The nurse uses this relationship to help the patient achieve their goals. The theory is effective in various settings and with different types of patients. It is useful for nurses to identify patients’ difficulties and help them meet their health goals. They also offer professional assistance for problem-solving alternatives. Nurses are expected to use human relations principles within this framework to solve the problems that arise in multiple levels of experience. In this theory, health is a word symbol that implies the forward movement of personality and other human processes toward creative, constructive, productive, personal, and community living. Nursing is an interpersonal process associated with frequent interactions between individuals with a mutual goal of achieving optimal recovery. Nurses display mutual respect and develop relationships based on trust with patients and family members. To increase awareness, nurses must familiarize themselves with patients and engage them in health and well-being conversations. Communication helps nurses give feedback to patients regarding their care plans.

Conclusion

When patients and family members are involved in the nursing care plan, they positively influence recovery. Nurses act as intermediaries between families and other colleagues to build relationships. Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations is used to help nurses become close to patients and their families. Nurses are uniquely positioned to develop strong, meaningful relationships with their patients. These relationships are built on trust and can profoundly impact the patient’s quality of care. Peplau’s stages of the interpersonal process have been found to correlate with the steps of the nursing process. This correlation provides a framework for nurses to understand and apply the interpersonal process to their practice. By getting to know their patients and understanding their needs, nurses can provide the best possible care and make a real difference in the lives of those they serve.

References;

Peplau, H.E. (1992). Interpersonal relations: A theoretical framework for application in nursing practice. Nursing Science Quarterly, 5, 13–18.
Peplau, H. E. (1991). Interpersonal relations in nursing: A conceptual frame of reference for psychodynamic nursing. New York, NY: Springer.
Peplau, H.E. (1997). Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. Nursing Science Quarterly, 10, 162–167
Chinn PL, and Kramer MK. Theory and nursing- a systemic approach. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Mosby yearbook;1991.
Chinn PL, and Kramer MK. Theory and nursing- a systemic approach. 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Mosby yearbook;1991.

Peplau’s Theory Of Interpersonal Relations