By:- Firoz QureshiDept. Psychiatric Nursing

HILDEGARD E.PEPLAU theory

HILDEGARD E.PEPLAU Born in 1909,Pennsylvania.

Regarded as “mother of psychiatric nursing”.

Graduated from a diploma program in Pottstown, Pennsylvania in 1931.

CONT... BA in interpersonal psychology from Bennington College

in 1943.

M.A in psychiatric nursing from Colombia University, New York in 1947.

Certified in psychoanalysis by William Alanson White Institute of New York City.

Worked as execute director and president of ANA.

Worked with WHO, NIMH and nurse corps.

Died in 1999.

PEPLAUS THEORYThe nature of science in nursing refers to the ‘body of

verified knowledge found within the discipline of nursing, that is mainly knowledge from the biological and behavioural science.

The synthesis, reorganization or extension of concepts drawn from the basic and applied science, which is their informations and tend to become new concepts.

Thus, the evolution of Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations resulted.

CONT... 1952 - Book on Interpersonal Relations in Nursing. Focus – interpersonal processes and therapeutic

relationship.

INFLUENCES First nursing theory to borrow concepts from

other disciplines like knowledge borrowed from behaviour sciences that can be termed the “Psychological Mold.”

She used the theory Harry Stack Sullivan, Percival Symonds, Abraham Maslow, Bella Mittleman and Neal Elgar Miller.

UNIQUENESS

Theory was considered revolutionary at the time of development.

Nursing as a profession, not just a skill. Made the way for psychiatric nursing speciality.

DEFINITIONS

PERSON:- A developing organism that tries to reduce anxiety caused by needs.

ENVIRONMENT:- Existing forces outside the organism and in the context of culture.

CONT...

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

NURSING:- A significant therapeutic inter-personnel process. It functions cooperatively with other human process that make health possible for individuals in communities.

CONCEPTS USED BY PEPLAU’S

Peplau’s model evolves through the “Psychodynamics Of Nursing”.

CONT... She defines “Psychodynamic Nursing is being able

to understand one’s own behaviour to help others identify felt difficulties and to apply principles of human relations to the problems that arise at all levels of experiences.”

She develops the model by describing the structural concepts of the interpersonal process, which are the phases of nurse patient relationship.

The different roles are assumed during the various phases.

PEPLAU’S WORK AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THEORY1.Theories can interrelate concepts in such a

way as to create a different way of looking at a particular phenomenon.

2. Theories must be logical in nature (logical sequence).

3. Theories must be relatively simple yet generalizable (simplicity).

CONT.4. Theories can be the bases for hypothesis that

can be tested or for theory to be expanded.5. Theories contribute to and assist in general

body of knowledge within the discipline through the research implementation to validate.

6. Theories can be used by practitioners to guide and improve their practice.

7. Theories must be consistent with other validated theories, laws and principles but will leave open unanswered question that need to be investigated.

APPLICATION OF THEORY IN NURSING Psychodynamic nursing is being able to understand

one’s own behaviour to help others identify felt difficulties.

To apply principles of human relations to the problems that arise at all levels of experience.

The importance of nurses ability to understand own behaviour to help others identify perceived difficulties.

ASSUMPTIONS

Nurse and patient can interact. Peplau stresses that both the patient and nurse mature

as the result of therapeutic interaction. Communication and interviewing skills remain

fundamental nursing tools.

STRENGHTS

The phases provide simplicity regarding the natural progression of the nurse- patient relationship.

This simplicity leads to adaptability in any nurse patient interaction, thus providing generalizability.

LIMITATIONS Its use is limited in working with the

comatose, senile or newborn patient.

The lack of emphasis on health promotion and maintenance; that intra-family dynamics, personal space consideration and community social service resources are less considered.

Even Peplau admits, “Understanding of the meaning of the patient is required in order for nursing to function as an educative, therapeutic, maturing force.”