This book is printed on paper suitable for recycling and made from fully managed and sustained forest sources.

No abstract

Interpersonal competencies of nurses are key to assisting patients in the work necessary for regaining health and well-being. Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations is detailed, and examples are given of the three phases which occur in developing nurse-patient relationships, along with associated challenges.

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 interactive 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.

The terms art and science are significant for the practice of nursing. These two concepts have a particular meaning and their defining char acteristics help to illuminate the nature of nursing practice. An under standing of each term is foundational to the comprehension of similari ties and differences and to an understanding of the complex relation played out in nursing practice. Nursing as an art form has three major components—medium, process, and product. The science consists of the systematized knowledge. Both nursing's art and its science are essential for excellence in the performance of nursing's mission. There is a delicately balanced movement between art and science portrayed by experienced nurses that transcends as it uses the differences between these two forms.

Quality of life is a continuum having a higher to lower range. A person's perceptions of life quality are time-related and situation-dependent and tend to vary according to changing life circumstances. Human relationships, especially during the early years of growth and development, can be constructive or destructive influences which can color perceptions, expectations, and behavior patterns manifested in interpersonal interactions throughout the life span. Relationships define and confirm self-worth, identity, acceptance as a human being, a sense of belonging, and other essential interpersonal needs. Relationships provide social support and tend to reduce stress. The quality of interpersonal relationships has a strong bearing on perceptions of quality of life.

No abstract

We invited Dr Peplau to provide a personal reflection on the recent history of psychiatric nursing and her thoughts on immediate challenges facing the profession. The paper is an individual scholar's commentary on the way that psychiatry has waxed and waned over the years, in relation to nursing. This historical review discovers and reports a challenge to current practice. Dr Peplau describes a professional shift that is pulling nurses toward the subordinate role observed earlier this century. The paper draws attention to how contemporary practice can be positively influenced, e.g., by giving a structure to the allocation and conduct of nurse-patient time.