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Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory: Enhancing Therapeutic Nurse-Patient Relationships

William Barta

In the realm of nursing theory, few names stand as prominently as Hildegard Peplau. Her ground-breaking work in the mid-20th century laid the foundation for the modern understanding of nurse-patient relationships. Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory is a seminal contribution that emphasizes the significance of communication, collaboration and understanding in the nurse-patient dynamic. This theory has had a profound impact on nursing practice, influencing the way healthcare professionals interact with and care for their patients. Peplau's theory, first introduced in her book "Interpersonal Relations in Nursing" published in 1952, centers around the therapeutic nursepatient relationship as a critical component of the healing process. Unlike the traditional biomedical approach that often viewed patients as passive recipients of care, Peplau's theory recognizes patients as active participants in their own well-being. She advocated for a holistic approach that takes into account not only the physical needs of patients but also their emotional, psychological and social well-being.