Hildegard Peplau published her theory of interpersonal relations in nursing in 1953, which was influenced by Harry Stack Sullivan's interpersonal theory. Peplau's theory focuses on the therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient and identifies four phases of that relationship: orientation, identification, exploitation, and resolution. The theory outlines six primary and six secondary roles for nurses.

2. Hildegard E. Peplau’s
Interpersonal
Relations in Nursing
Theory was published 
in 1953
Framework for 
psychodynamic nursing
Theory was 
influenced by Harry
Stack Sullivan’s theory
of interpersonal
.relations
Middle range, 
descriptive,
classification theory

3. introduction
Peplau discusses major features of the theory of 
interpersonal relations. She describes her theory as
among the most useful to apply during nursing
practice in order to understand nurse-patient
interaction phenomena. Peplau addresses how she
derived constructs from clinical data and identified
their congruence with nursing practice. She further
addresses the specific concepts of her theory and
their relations, and specific uses of the theory in
.practice

4. Interpersonal Relations in Nursing
Theory
Stresses the importance of nurses’ ability to •
understand their own behaviors to help others
.identify perceived difficulties
Emphasizes the focus on the interpersonal processes •
and therapeutic relationship that develops between
.the nurse and client
Four phases of the nurse-patient relationship are •
identified
Six primary roles of the nurse •
Six secondary roles of the nurse •

5. Phases of nurse-patient 4
relationship
Orientation-client seeking 
assistance, meeting of nurse-patient,
identifying the
problem and services needed
( interview process), and
.guidance
Identification- identifying 
who is best to support needs,
patient addresses personal
feelings about the experience
and is encouraged to
participate in care to
promote personal acceptance
.and satisfaction

6. .Phases cont
Exploitation- patient attempts to explore, 
understand and deal with the problem, and gains
independence on achieving the goal
Resolution- termination of the therapeutic 
relationship to encourage emotional balance for nurse
and patient ( difficult for both patient and nurse as
(psychological dependence persists

7. Roles of Nurses
Primary
Stranger 
Teacher 
Resource person 
Counselor 
Surrogate 
Leader 
Secondary
Technical expert 
Mediator 
Safety agent 
Researcher 
Tutor 
Manager of environment 

8. Application of Interpersonal
Theory in Nursing Practice
An article in Current Nursing evaluated using the •
theory in nursing practice
Assessment= Orientation phase –
Nursing diagnosis –
Planning=Identification phase –
Implementing=Exploitation phase –
Evaluation=Resolution phase –
the theory allowed client’s needs to be assessed.)
Application of the theory helped provide
( comprehensive care to the client