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In 1952 with the publication of interpersonal Relations in Nursing: A Conceptual Framework for Psychodynamic Nursing, Hildegard Peplau significantly influenced the developing practice of psychiatric nursing. Peplau derived her theory in part from the work of Harry S. Sullivan. More significantly, she adapted and expanded Sullivan's theory to include her own ideas and concepts and then related the theory to nursing. Peplau's theory is an ideal model for the practice of individual, short-term therapy. Concepts from Peplau's theory along with concepts of other psychological theories were utilized in counseling individual clients in short-term therapy (Case Reports).
To Peplau, nursing is "a significant, therapeutic, interpersonal process" (Peplau, 1952). Nurses strive to create conditions that promote health and which are aimed at promoting the "forward movement of personality in the direction of creative, constructive, productive, personal, and community living." Through the interpersonal process, a relationship with each of the clients was developed with the aim of working with them to promote a healthier adjustment to their life situation and to reduce their symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insecurity.
According to Peplau, the relationship of the nurse and patient can be conceptualized along a continuum from strangers to collaborators in problem-solving. I found this .to be true in my work with all three clients. We began the process as strangers with separate goals and interests. Mrs. iones' personal goal was to gain relief from her symptoms, particularly her loneliness. My goal was to help her resolve her problems as I developed my own therapeutic skills. Mrs. Nelson came seeking help to cope with a crisis. I focused on providing support, encouraging ventilation of feelings, cognitive restructuring, and assisting her in developing more effective coping skills. Mrs. Fowler came seeking help with her son. I was concerned with helping her develop more effective parenting skills and helping her understand that her son's problem was affected by her behavior.
As we progressed along the continuum, it was obvious that the clients and 1 each had our own individual preconceptions of the meaning of the problems and our roles in resolving these problems (Peplau, 1952). I had to clarify my role to each client. Specifically, that I would work with them to resolve their problems, but would not solve the problems...