Which nursing theory emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships?

Hildegard Peplau's Interpersonal Theory focuses on the significance of interpersonal relationships in nursing. This theory underscores the interaction between nurses and patients, emphasizing that these relationships are fundamental to the healing process. Peplau posits that a therapeutic nurse-client relationship can assist patients in achieving their health goals and navigating their experiences with illness.

The theory outlines several roles that nurses can take on within these relationships, such as stranger, resource person, teacher, leader, and surrogate, each facilitating various aspects of the interpersonal dynamics involved in patient care. This approach is central to the nursing profession, as it fosters trust, communication, and collaboration, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

While other theories, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Nightingale's Environmental Theory, and Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory, contribute valuable insights to nursing practice, they do not specifically highlight the interpersonal aspects of the nurse-patient relationship in the same way that Peplau's theory does. These other theories may focus on needs, environmental factors, or self-care, but Peplau's framework distinctly prioritizes the relational element, making it a cornerstone of modern nursing practice.