Theoretical Perspectives In Mental Health Nursing Essay

Theoretical Perspectives in Mental Health Nursing
In examining the nursing theories of Orem and Peplau it becomes obvious that the care of patients can be enhanced by using a number of different nursing models. This assignment will highlight the theoretical perspectives of these two theorists and compare and contrast the core concepts, demonstrating their commonalities and how the two may be more suitable to different clients, developed half a century ago, can be validated and practical today in mental health nursing.
The elements of the theory created by Hildegard E. Peplau   had become public domain and integrated into nursing practice without Peplau being credited until she was recognised as the   “Mother of Psychiatric Nursing” (Callaway, 2002) first published nursing theorist in a century, since Nightingale created the nursing middle-range theory of Interpersonal Relations helped revolutionize the scholarly work of nurses and contributed to mental health laws/reform (Tomey & Alligood, 2006; O’Toole, 1989) At a time publishing her book took four additional years because it was ground-breaking for a nurse to contribute this scholarly work without a co-authoring physician.
She had vision to bring the Harry Stack Sullivan's theory of inter personal relations 1953 theory to interactions with her patients – they needed: Humane treatment Dignity & respect Healing discussion … in a time when there was none to be found… (Forchuk et al 1993) The nursing theory of Hildegard Peplau incorporated aspects of both behaviourism and logical positivism. Peplau used the term, psychodynamic nursing, to describe the dynamic relationship between a nurse and a patient, known as Therapeutic Interpersonal Model. (Peplau et al 1952) According to Peplau, nursing is a healing art using an understanding of one’s own behaviour to help others identify their difficulties by applying principles of human relations to the patient who has a felt need. Peplau’s model of psychodynamic nursing...