Theoretical Work
In her interpersonal relationship theory, Dr. Peplau emphasized the nurse-client relationship as the foundation of nursing practice. Her book on her conceptual framework, Interpersonal Relations in Nursing, was completed in 1948. Publication took four additional years because it was groundbreaking for a nurse to contribute this scholarly work without a coauthoring physician.
At the time, her research and emphasis on the give-and-take of nurse-client relationships was seen by many as revolutionary. Peplau went on to form an interpersonal model emphasizing the need for a partnership between nurse and client as opposed to the client passively receiving treatment (and the nurse passively acting out doctor's orders).
The essence of Peplau's theories is the creation of a shared experience. Nurses, she thought, could facilitate this through observation, description, formulation, interpretation, validation, and intervention.
For example, as the nurse listens to her client she or he develops a general impression of the client's situation. The nurse then validates his or her inferences by checking with the client for accuracy. The result may be experiential learning, improved coping strategies, and personal growth for both parties.
Read more about this topic: Hildegard Peplau
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